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 #259 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Leila?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Leila Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Leila Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Leila Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Leila Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Leila Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Leila right now?
Rising — up 8 spots — currently #259 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #259 | 1,193 | ▲ up 8 |
| 2024 | #267 | 1,197 | ▼ down 27 · -6% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 3,789 | |
What are good nicknames for Leila?
Famous people named Leila
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Leila (historical Arab ruler)
Leila held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Leila (Arab poet)
Leila carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
L(
Leila (historical Arab ruler)
Leila held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
L(
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
Explore →What names sound and feel like Leila?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leila also consider these
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.