What does Layla mean and where does it come from?
Layla has Arabic origins and is famously associated with the classic story of 'Layla and Majnun,' highlighting themes of love and longing. The name has gained popularity in various cultures, especially in Western countries, and is often associated with qualities of beauty and elegance. Variations in
Cultural significance
Layla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of night.
Peak popularity
Reached #23 in 2019 — currently #30 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Layla?
Layla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Layla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Layla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Layla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Layla Claire
French influence · crisp
Layla Jane
Literary · strong
Layla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Layla right now?
Holding steady — currently #30 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #30 | 5,698 | ▼ down 1 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #29 | 6,091 | ▼ down 5 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #24 | 6,347 | stable · +3% births |
| 2020 | #24 | 6,174 | ▲ up 6 · -2% births |
| 2015 | #30 | 6,330 | ▲ up 7 · +7% births |
| 2010 | #37 | 5,891 | ▲ up 107 · +147% births |
| 2005 | #144 | 2,383 | ▲ up 263 · +242% births |
| 2000 | #407 | 697 | ▲ up 430 · +198% births |
| 1995 | #837 | 234 | ▲ up 410 · +77% births |
| 1990 | #1247 | 132 | ▲ up 250 · +61% births |
| 1985 | #1497 | 82 | ▼ down 411 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #1086 | 130 | ▼ down 343 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #743 | 194 | ▲ up 5926 · +2671% births |
| 1970 | #6669 | 7 | ▼ down 1542 |
| 1955 | #5127 | 7 | — |
The story of Layla
Layla entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. Its peak popularity was #23 in 2019. More than 100,123 babies have been named Layla since 1950. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4729 in 1950 to #30 in 2023. Layla is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Layla in 2019:
Layla by decade
Layla peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 19 | |
| 1960s | 24 | |
| 1970s | 1,355 | |
| 1980s | 1,051 | |
| 1990s | 2,187 | |
| 2000s | 26,232 | |
| 2010s ★ | 63,081 | |
| 2020s | 6,174 | |
What are good nicknames for Layla?
Famous people named Layla
L(
Layla (Islamic scholar)
Layla bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
L(
Layla (Quranic figure)
Layla appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
L(
Layla (Arab poet)
Layla carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
L(
Layla (historical Arab ruler)
Layla held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Layla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Layla also consider these
How is Layla written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Layla
What does the name Layla mean?
Layla means "night" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Layla?
Layla is currently ranked #30 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Layla?
Layla originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Layla?
Layla is a two-syllable name pronounced L EY1 L AA0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Layla more of a girl or boy name?
Layla is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.