"night, dark beauty"
Origin: Arabic
Language: English
Laila
Does Laila flow with your last name?
The night sky made into a name of eternal romance
Arabic
Persian
Urdu
Muslim
African American
Elegant
Classic
Spiritual
Gentle
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"wine, intoxication"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
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The Story of Laila
Laila (also spelled Layla, Leila, Lila) is one of the most iconic names in Arabic literary tradition. It derives from the Arabic 'layl' (لَيْل) meaning 'night,' connoting dark beauty, mystery, and romance. The name is most famous through the 12th-century Persian poem Layla and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi — the epic tragic love story of Qays and Layla, often called the Eastern Romeo and Juliet.
In the West, Layla skyrocketed after Eric Clapton's 1970 rock anthem 'Layla,' written in obsessive love for Pattie Boyd. In the Muslim world, the name has been beloved for over a millennium. The various spellings (Laila, Layla, Leila) collectively make this one of the most popular names in multicultural America.
In Arabic and Persian literary tradition, 'Layla' represents the ultimate beloved — the unattainable love that drives a man to madness ('Majnun' means 'one crazed by love'). The story of Layla and Majnun has been retold in Persian, Urdu, Turkish, and Azerbaijani poetry for nine centuries.
Historical Record
Laila first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 42,131 babies have been named Laila in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Laila is past its peak , currently ranked #371 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Eric Clapton wrote 'Layla' (1970) in desperate love for Pattie Boyd, then wife of his friend George Harrison — one of rock's most famous unrequited love songs
- The medieval poem Layla and Majnun (1188 AD) by Nizami Ganjavi is one of the most influential love stories in world literature
- Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, was an undefeated professional boxer who won multiple world championships
Laila in Other Languages
Urdu
لیلیٰ (Laila)
Arabic
ليلى (Layla)
Hebrew
לַיְלָה (Layla)
Persian
لیلا (Leila)
Turkish
Leyla
Popularity Over Time
#371
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 2009
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Laila
L
Laila Ali
Athlete
1977
American professional boxer and daughter of Muhammad Ali, undefeated world champion in super middleweight
L
L
Layla Fictional
Other
The beloved of the medieval Persian-Arabic epic Layla and Majnun, one of the most iconic lovers in world literature
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #371
- Total SSA Count
- 839
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Persian Urdu Muslim African American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Lai
Lyla
Lee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Arabic heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Laila
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Laila is also used as a boy name, ranked #42225.
View Laila as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Arabic)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laila
What does the name Laila mean?
"night, dark beauty" (from Arabic). "wine, intoxication" (from Arabic). Laila (also spelled Layla, Leila, Lila) is one of the most iconic names in Arabic literary tradition. It derives from the Arabic 'layl' (لَيْل) meaning 'night,' connoting dark beauty, mystery, and romance. The name is most famous through the 12th-century Persian poem Layla and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi — the epic tragic love story of Qays and Layla, often called the Eastern Romeo and Juliet.
What is the origin of the name Laila?
Laila has Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Muslim, and African American origins. In Arabic, it means "night, dark beauty". In Arabic, it means "wine, intoxication".
Is Laila a boy or girl name?
Laila is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #371. As a boy name, it is ranked #42225. Laila is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Laila?
Laila is currently ranked #371 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Laila?
Common nicknames for Laila include Lai, Lyla, and Lee.
What are good middle names for Laila?
Popular middle name pairings include Laila Rose, Laila Grace, Laila Marie, Laila Jade, Laila Noor, Laila Fatima, and Laila Sophia.
What are good sibling names for Laila?
Names that pair well with Laila as siblings include Zara, Amir, Yasmine, Kareem, Nadia, Ibrahim, and Soraya.
How many syllables does Laila have?
Laila has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Laila a common or rare name?
Laila is a popular name, ranked #371 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Laila?
About the Name Laila
Laila is a girl name with Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Muslim, and African American origins . The name means "night, dark beauty" in Arabic .
Is Laila a boy or girl name? Laila is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #371 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #42,225. Laila is more commonly used as a girl name.
Laila is currently ranked #371 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Laila has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Laila include Lai, Lyla, and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Laila include Lailah, Lailani . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis