What does Leela mean and where does it come from?
Leela is derived from the Sanskrit word 'लीला', which encompasses notions of play, dance, and divine humor. It is a name commonly found in Hindu cultures and is often associated with the playful aspects of divinity. Leela has gained popularity outside India, embraced by various cultures for its beau
Cultural significance
Leela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of play; amusement; divine drama.
Peak popularity
Reached #1090 in 2013 — currently #1280 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Leela?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Leela?
Leela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leela Claire
French influence · crisp
Leela Jane
Literary · strong
Leela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leela right now?
Rising — up 40 spots — currently #1280 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1280 | 179 | ▲ up 40 |
| 2022 | #1320 | 179 | ▼ down 33 |
| 2021 | #1287 | 179 | ▼ down 96 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #1191 | 192 | ▲ up 19 · -6% births |
| 2015 | #1210 | 205 | ▲ up 398 · +53% births |
| 2010 | #1608 | 134 | ▲ up 773 · +81% births |
| 2005 | #2381 | 74 | ▲ up 834 · +76% births |
| 2000 | #3215 | 42 | ▲ up 2497 · +163% births |
| 1995 | #5712 | 16 | ▼ down 1688 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #4024 | 25 | ▲ up 859 · +67% births |
| 1985 | #4883 | 15 | ▼ down 872 · -21% births |
| 1980 | #4011 | 19 | ▲ up 2542 · +138% births |
| 1975 | #6553 | 8 | ▲ up 617 · +33% births |
| 1970 | #7170 | 6 | ▼ down 2609 · -33% births |
| 1965 | #4561 | 9 | — |
The story of Leela
Leela has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 3,641 total births recorded, Leela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5118 in 1920 to #1280 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Leela in 2013:
Leela by decade
Leela peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 16 | |
| 1950s | 17 | |
| 1960s | 47 | |
| 1970s | 109 | |
| 1980s | 158 | |
| 1990s | 194 | |
| 2000s | 864 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,029 | |
| 2020s | 192 | |
💎With 3,641 total births, Leela is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Leela?
What names sound and feel like Leela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leela also consider these
How is Leela written in other languages?
लीला
Hindi), లీలా (Telugu), ಲೀಲಾ (Kannada), லீலா (Tamil), ലീലാ (Malayalam
Common questions about the name Leela
What does the name Leela mean?
Leela means "Play; amusement; divine drama" — a name rooted in India 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 Leela?
Leela is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Leela?
Leela originates from India tradition. India 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 Leela?
Leela is a three-syllable name pronounced L AH0 EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Leela?
Leela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar India heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.