What does Lila mean and where does it come from?
In Arabic, Lila (ليلى) translates to 'night' and often has a poetically romantic significance. It is also derived from the Sanskrit word 'līlā,' which means 'play' or 'amusement.' The name has grown popular in English-speaking countries since the late 19th century and is often associated with grace
Cultural significance
Lila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of night.
Peak popularity
Reached #155 in 2010 — currently #213 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lila?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lila?
Lila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lila Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lila Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lila Claire
French influence · crisp
Lila Jane
Literary · strong
Lila Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lila right now?
Rising — up 8 spots — currently #213 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #213 | 1,398 | ▲ up 8 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #221 | 1,354 | ▲ up 2 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #223 | 1,339 | ▲ up 3 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #226 | 1,290 | ▼ down 27 · -22% births |
| 2015 | #199 | 1,654 | ▼ down 44 · -16% births |
| 2010 | #155 | 1,969 | ▲ up 291 · +190% births |
| 2005 | #446 | 680 | ▲ up 303 · +121% births |
| 2000 | #749 | 307 | ▲ up 581 · +148% births |
| 1995 | #1330 | 124 | ▼ down 23 |
| 1990 | #1307 | 124 | ▼ down 210 · -6% births |
| 1985 | #1097 | 132 | ▼ down 110 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #987 | 150 | ▲ up 139 · +46% births |
| 1975 | #1126 | 103 | ▼ down 114 · -16% births |
| 1970 | #1012 | 123 | ▼ down 245 · -26% births |
| 1965 | #767 | 167 | — |
The story of Lila
Lila has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 69,247 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #257 in 1880 to #213 in 2023. Lila is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lila in 2010:
Lila by decade
Lila peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 691 | |
| 1890s | 1,673 | |
| 1900s | 2,337 | |
| 1910s | 5,567 | |
| 1920s | 10,325 | |
| 1930s | 7,875 | |
| 1940s | 4,408 | |
| 1950s | 3,569 | |
| 1960s | 1,904 | |
| 1970s | 1,233 | |
| 1980s | 1,256 | |
| 1990s | 1,557 | |
| 2000s | 9,033 | |
| 2010s ★ | 16,529 | |
| 2020s | 1,290 | |
What are good nicknames for Lila?
Famous people named Lila
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Lila (Islamic scholar)
Lila bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Lila (Quranic figure)
Lila appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
L(
Lila (historical Arab ruler)
Lila held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
L(
Lila (Sufi mystic)
Lila used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lila?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lila also consider these
Common questions about the name Lila
What does the name Lila mean?
Lila 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 Lila?
Lila is currently ranked #213 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 Lila?
Lila 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 Lila?
Lila is a two-syllable name pronounced L IY1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lila more of a girl or boy name?
Lila is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.