What does Leilah mean and where does it come from?
Leilah (ليلى / לילה) is derived from the Arabic name Layla, which means 'night' and often invokes imagery of beauty and romance. In Hebrew, it represents beauty and delicacy associated with nighttime. The name has cultural significance in various traditions, most notably in literature, such as the s
Cultural significance
Leilah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of night.
Peak popularity
Reached #999 in 2010 — currently #1420 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leilah?
Leilah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leilah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leilah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leilah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leilah Claire
French influence · crisp
Leilah Jane
Literary · strong
Leilah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leilah right now?
Falling — down 179 spots — currently #1420 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1420 | 157 | ▼ down 179 · -19% births |
| 2022 | #1241 | 194 | ▲ up 125 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #1366 | 162 | ▼ down 3 · +2% births |
| 2020 | #1363 | 159 | ▼ down 117 · -19% births |
| 2015 | #1246 | 196 | ▼ down 247 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #999 | 251 | ▲ up 935 · +154% births |
| 2005 | #1934 | 99 | ▲ up 1478 · +154% births |
| 2000 | #3412 | 39 | ▲ up 5413 · +333% births |
| 1995 | #8825 | 9 | ▼ down 2451 · -10% births |
| 1980 | #6374 | 10 | ▲ up 792 · +67% births |
| 1970 | #7166 | 6 | ▼ down 2632 |
| 1920 | #4534 | 6 | — |
The story of Leilah
Leilah has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 3,482 total births recorded, Leilah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4534 in 1920 to #1420 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Leilah in 2010:
Leilah by decade
Leilah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 12 | |
| 1920s | 12 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 30 | |
| 1980s | 61 | |
| 1990s | 98 | |
| 2000s | 1,091 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,008 | |
| 2020s | 159 | |
💎With 3,482 total births, Leilah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Leilah?
Common
LeiLeilLeilieLeilyIlah
What names sound and feel like Leilah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leilah also consider these
How is Leilah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Leilah
What does the name Leilah mean?
Leilah means "Night" — a name rooted in English 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 Leilah?
Leilah 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 Leilah?
Leilah originates from English tradition. English 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 Leilah?
Leilah is a three-syllable name pronounced L AH0 IH1 L AA1. 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 Leilah?
Leilah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.