"divine play"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: English
Lila
Pronunciation: [ l-EEL-uh ]
Does Lila flow with your last name?
Divine play and poetic night in two soft syllables
English
Indian
Persian
Arabic
German
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Elegant
Whimsical
Vintage
Earthy
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Meaning & Origin
"night"
Origin: Arabic/Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Lila
Lila has roots in multiple cultures. In Sanskrit, 'lila' (also spelled 'leela') means 'divine play' or 'sport', referring to the playful creative activity of the gods. In Arabic and Persian traditions, 'layla' means 'night', giving the name a mysterious, poetic quality. In Hebrew, it may relate to 'lilah' (night). The name's multicultural origins have made it feel both universal and distinctive across traditions.
Lila began rising in the US in the 2000s as parents sought names that were short, soft-sounding, and classic without being overused. It benefits from the widespread popularity of related names Lily and Layla, feeling familiar but more distinctive. It has been consistently rising through the 2010s and 2020s.
In Hindu philosophy, 'lila' is a central concept describing the universe as divine play — God's joyful creative activity. The concept is especially important in Vaishnavism, where Krishna's actions are described as 'lila'. The name thus carries deep spiritual resonance in South Asian cultures.
Historical Record
Lila first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 41,987 babies have been named Lila in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lila is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #207 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Hindu philosophy, 'lila' describes the universe itself as the playful creation of God
- Lila and Leila are both top 100 names in Germany
- The name appears in multiple forms across Sanskrit, Arabic, and Hebrew traditions, all with distinct but beautiful meanings
Lila in Other Languages
Arabic
ليلى (Layla)
German
Lila
Hebrew
לֵילָה
Persian
لیلا
Sanskrit
लीला (Leela)
Popularity Over Time
#207
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lila
L
L
Lila Fowler Fictional
Other
Popular and fashionable character in the Sweet Valley High book series
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #207
- Total SSA Count
- 1,475
- Cultural Origins
- English Indian Persian Arabic German
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Li
Lee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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 2-2 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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lila
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lila is also used as a boy name, ranked #19352.
View Lila as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lila
What does the name Lila mean?
"divine play" (from Sanskrit). "night" (from Arabic/Hebrew). Lila has roots in multiple cultures. In Sanskrit, 'lila' (also spelled 'leela') means 'divine play' or 'sport', referring to the playful creative activity of the gods. In Arabic and Persian traditions, 'layla' means 'night', giving the name a mysterious, poetic quality. In Hebrew, it may relate to 'lilah' (night). The name's multicultural origins have made it feel both universal and distinctive across traditions.
What is the origin of the name Lila?
Lila has Sanskrit, Arabic/Hebrew, English, Indian, Persian, Arabic, and German origins. In Sanskrit, it means "divine play". In Arabic/Hebrew, it means "night".
Is Lila a boy or girl name?
Lila is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #207. As a boy name, it is ranked #19352. Lila is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lila?
Lila is pronounced l-EEL-uh.
How popular is the name Lila?
Lila is currently ranked #207 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lila?
Common nicknames for Lila include Lee.
What are good middle names for Lila?
Popular middle name pairings include Lila Rose, Lila Mae, Lila Jane, Lila Grace, Lila Pearl, Lila Claire, and Lila June.
What are good sibling names for Lila?
Names that pair well with Lila as siblings include Iris, Hazel, Flora, Jasper, Finn, and Milo.
How many syllables does Lila have?
Lila has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lila a common or rare name?
Lila is a popular name, ranked #207 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Lila?
About the Name Lila
Lila is a girl name with English, Indian, Persian, Arabic, and German origins . The name means "divine play" in Sanskrit .
Is Lila a boy or girl name? Lila is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #207 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,352. Lila is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lila is currently ranked #207 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lila has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EEL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lila include Li and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lila include Lily, Lillian, Liliana, Lilah, Lilith . 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