What does Laylah mean and where does it come from?
Laylah is of Arabic origin, meaning 'night'. It has been adapted in various forms and is also spelled Laila, Leila, and more. The name was popularized in the West by the story 'Layla and Majnun'. In modern usage, it is prevalent in many English-speaking countries including the United States. It symb
Cultural significance
Laylah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of night.
Peak popularity
Reached #594 in 2014 — currently #1254 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Laylah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Laylah?
Laylah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Laylah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Laylah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Laylah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Laylah Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Laylah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Laylah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Laylah right now?
Falling — down 191 spots — currently #1254 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1254 | 179 | ▼ down 191 · -24% births |
| 2024 | #1063 | 235 | ▼ down 81 · -10% births |
| 2023 | #982 | 261 | ▼ down 61 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #921 | 294 | ▼ down 55 · -7% births |
| 2021 | #866 | 315 | ▼ down 80 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #786 | 343 | ▼ down 79 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #707 | 403 | ▲ up 31 · +7% births |
| 2010 | #738 | 377 | ▲ up 711 · +156% births |
| 2005 | #1449 | 147 | ▲ up 2691 · +390% births |
| 2000 | #4140 | 30 | ▲ up 5007 · +233% births |
| 1995 | #9147 | 9 | ▲ up 1268 · +80% births |
| 1975 | #10415 | 5 | — |
The story of Laylah
Laylah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 5,990 total births recorded, Laylah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10415 in 1975 to #982 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Laylah in 2014:
Laylah by decade
Laylah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 52 | |
| 2000s | 1,498 | |
| 2010s ★ | 4,087 | |
| 2020s | 757 | |
💎With 5,990 total births, Laylah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Laylah?
Famous people named Laylah
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Laylah (Quranic figure)
Laylah appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
L(
Laylah (historical Arab ruler)
Laylah held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
L(
Laylah (Sufi mystic)
Laylah used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Laylah (Islamic scholar)
Laylah bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Laylah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laylah also consider these
Common questions about the name Laylah
What does the name Laylah mean?
Laylah 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 Laylah?
Laylah is currently ranked #982 as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Laylah?
Laylah 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.
Is Laylah a common or rare name?
Laylah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Laylah a classic or a modern name?
Laylah has Arabic roots that go back many centuries, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.