Leila

“Night”

Arabic origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#240US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

↑Rising

49.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.09% of births at peak

How to pronounce Leila

lay-lə(english),lee-lə(english),lie-lə(english)

/lay-lə(english),lee-lə(english),lie-lə(english)/ · · 2 syllables

“Night”

Arabic origin · Unisex name

What does Leila mean and where does it come from?

Leila is of Arabic origin, meaning 'night.' In Persian culture, it connotes beauty. The name has historical roots in literature, being featured in Persian poetry, especially in the story of 'Layla and Majnun.' It has also gained popularity in Western cultures, especially from the mid-20th century on

Cultural significance

Leila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of night.

Peak popularity

Reached #165 in 1880 — currently #240 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Leila?

Leila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Leila Grace

How popular is Leila right now?

Rising — up 6 spots — currently #240 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#240 · Top 0.18%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#240	1,271	▲ up 6 · +2% births
2022	#246	1,245	▼ down 32 · -10% births
2021	#214	1,384	▼ down 9 · -1% births
2020	#205	1,399	▲ up 42 · +7% births
2015	#247	1,305	▼ down 42 · -13% births
2010	#205	1,508	▲ up 103 · +45% births
2005	#308	1,043	▲ up 287 · +144% births
2000	#595	427	▲ up 285 · +98% births
1995	#880	216	▲ up 120 · +19% births
1990	#1000	182	▼ down 230 · -17% births
1985	#770	220	▲ up 74 · +20% births
1980	#844	184	▲ up 5 · +17% births
1975	#849	157	▲ up 123 · +21% births
1970	#972	130	▼ down 111 · -4% births
1965	#861	135	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Leila

Best Year2010Rank #205

Peak Count1,508

Average Rank#509

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Leila

Leila has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 49,094 babies have received this name. Leila is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Leila in 1880:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Leila by decade

Leila peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	1,079
1890s	1,588
1900s	1,529
1910s	2,830
1920s	3,340
1930s	2,474
1940s	1,858
1950s	1,739
1960s	1,578
1970s	1,623
1980s	2,100
1990s	2,173
2000s	9,900
2010s ★	13,884
2020s	1,399

What are good nicknames for Leila?

Common

LeiLeilLeilieLeily

Famous people named Leila

Leila (historical Arab ruler)

Leila held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Leila (Arab poet)

Leila carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.

Leila (historical Arab ruler)

Leila held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Leila (Sufi mystic)

Leila used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Leila?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leila also consider these

Jeila

Arabic · a beautiful girl

Leihla

American · Playful spirit

Scandinavia · The one who

Yeila

English · A beloved name

How is Leila written in other languages?

ليلى

Arabic), لیلا (Persian), ლეილა (Georgian

Common questions about the name Leila

What does the name Leila mean?

Leila 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 Leila?

Leila is currently ranked #240 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 Leila?

Leila 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 Leila more of a girl or boy name?

Leila is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.

Is Leila a classic or a modern name?

Leila 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.