What does Lela mean and where does it come from?
Lela is derived from the Arabic word 'Laila' (ليلى), meaning 'night'. The name is popular in various cultures and can also be associated with meanings relating to beauty, particularly in certain African cultures. Lela is also a variant of the name 'Layla', which has seen considerable popularity due
Cultural significance
Lela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of night.
Peak popularity
Reached #113 in 1894 — currently #2374 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lela?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lela?
Lela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lela Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Lela Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Lela Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Lela Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Lela Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Lela Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Lela right now?
Falling — down 165 spots — currently #2374 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2374 | 76 | ▼ down 165 · -12% births |
| 2024 | #2209 | 86 | ▼ down 1615 · -95% births |
| 2023 | #594 | 1,606 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #599 | 1,586 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #604 | 1,556 | ▲ up 1189 · +1328% births |
| 2020 | #1793 | 109 | ▼ down 269 · -26% births |
| 2015 | #1524 | 147 | ▲ up 10 · +1% births |
| 2010 | #1534 | 145 | ▼ down 56 · +2% births |
| 2005 | #1478 | 142 | ▲ up 54 · +20% births |
| 2000 | #1532 | 118 | ▲ up 777 · +107% births |
| 1995 | #2309 | 57 | ▼ down 446 · -25% births |
| 1990 | #1863 | 76 | ▼ down 489 · -19% births |
| 1985 | #1374 | 94 | ▲ up 101 · +15% births |
| 1980 | #1475 | 82 | ▼ down 174 · -4% births |
| 1975 | #1301 | 85 | — |
The story of Lela
Lela has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 42,596 babies have received this name. Once ranked #142 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #594 in 2023. Lela is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lela in 1894:
Lela by decade
Lela peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,920 | |
| 1890s | 3,892 | |
| 1900s | 4,473 | |
| 1910s | 7,019 | |
| 1920s ★ | 7,868 | |
| 1930s | 4,640 | |
| 1940s | 3,362 | |
| 1950s | 2,382 | |
| 1960s | 1,478 | |
| 1970s | 1,068 | |
| 1980s | 864 | |
| 1990s | 687 | |
| 2000s | 1,378 | |
| 2010s | 1,456 | |
| 2020s | 271 | |
What are good nicknames for Lela?
Famous people named Lela
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Lela (Islamic scholar)
Lela bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Lela (Quranic figure)
Lela appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
L(
Lela (Arab poet)
Lela carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
L(
Lela (historical Arab ruler)
Lela held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lela also consider these
How is Lela written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Lela
What does the name Lela mean?
Lela 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 Lela?
Lela is currently ranked #594 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 Lela?
Lela 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.
How do you pronounce the name Lela?
Lela is a two-syllable name pronounced LEE-luh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lela more of a girl or boy name?
Lela is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.