Esther vs Layla

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Esther

Girl #131 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"star"

Origin: Persian

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English Dutch Scandinavian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#131
Total SSA Count
2,206
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Essie, Ettie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Esther →

Layla

Girl #37 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"night, dark beauty"

Origin: Arabic layl meaning night

Cultural Roots

Arabic Persian Hebrew English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#37
Total SSA Count
5,305
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lay, Layla

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Layla →

Popularity Comparison

Esther Rank #131
Layla Rank #37

Layla is more popular, ranked #37 vs #131 for Esther.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Esther ___

  • Esther Rose
  • Esther Jane
  • Esther Mae
  • Esther Grace
  • Esther Violet
  • Esther Pearl

Layla ___

  • Layla Rose
  • Layla Grace
  • Layla Mae
  • Layla Jean
  • Layla Anne
  • Layla Claire

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Esther

Ruth Agnes Sylvia Clement Jasper

If you choose Layla

Zara Sofia Omar Cyrus Nadia

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Esther or Layla more popular?

Layla is more popular, ranked #37 compared to Esther at #131 in the United States.

What do Esther and Layla mean?

Esther means "star" (Persian origin). Layla means "night, dark beauty" (Arabic layl meaning night origin).

Are Esther and Layla boy or girl names?

Esther is primarily a girl name. Layla is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Esther ← Full profile: Layla Browse all baby names