"wine, intoxication (poetic)"
Laela
The legendary Arabic name meaning night beauty
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Laela
Laela is a variant spelling of Layla, one of the most celebrated names in Arabic literature. From the Arabic layl meaning night, the name carries the romantic imagery of dark beauty and mysterious allure. The legendary love story of Qais and Layla (comparable to Romeo and Juliet in Arabic culture) has made this name a symbol of eternal love for over a thousand years.
Layla and its variants have surged in popularity in Western countries, consistently ranking in the top 20 girls names in the US and UK. Eric Clapton's 1970 rock anthem Layla brought huge visibility, and the Arabic literary tradition adds depth. The Laela spelling gives a distinctive personal touch.
In Arabic and Persian literature, Layla is the archetypal beloved — appearing in classic works by Nizami, Rumi, and countless others. The name carries centuries of romantic and mystical poetry.
Fun Facts
- The love story of Layla and Majnun is considered one of the greatest love stories in Arabic literature, predating Romeo and Juliet by centuries
- Eric Clapton wrote the 1970 rock classic Layla after reading a translation of the Layla and Majnun legend
- The name Layla appears in multiple religious traditions including Islam, Judaism, and pre-Islamic Arabian mythology
Laela in Other Languages
Famous People Named Laela
Layla Al-Akhyaliyya
Writer
7th century Arabic poet considered one of the most important female poets in classical Arabic literature
Layla (Layla and Majnun) Fictional
Other
The beloved heroine of the ancient Arabic epic Layla and Majnun, a symbol of unattainable love in Arabic and Persian poe...
The beloved heroine of the ancient Arabic epic Layla and Majnun, a symbol of unattainable love in Arabic and Persian poetry
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,836
- Total SSA Count
- 39
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Persian Muslim Hebrew English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laela
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About the Name Laela
Laela is a girl name with Arabic, Persian, Muslim, Hebrew, and English origins . The name means "wine, intoxication (poetic)" in Arabic .
Laela is currently ranked #3,836 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Laela has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Laela include Lae and Laeli. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Laela include Lael, Laelynn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.