"night"
Origin: Arabic (variant of Leila)
Language: English
Lyla
Girl Name
#83 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
Night-soft and timeless, with a poet's heart
English
Arabic
Persian
American
Modern
Gentle
Romantic
Elegant
Trendy
Meaning & Origin
"dark beauty"
Origin: Persian (laylah)
Language: English
"night; dark beauty"
Origin: Arabic
Language: English
"born at night"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
The Story of Lyla
Lyla is a modern English spelling variant of Layla or Lila, derived from the Arabic 'layla' meaning 'night.' The name has deep roots in Arabic poetry, most famously in the 7th-century love story of Qays and Layla — an unrequited romance so enduring it became a metaphor for yearning in Persian, Urdu, and Arabic literature.
Lyla has been rising in popularity in the United States through the 2010s and 2020s, benefiting from the massive popularity of Layla (driven partly by Eric Clapton's famous 1970 song) while offering a softer, more modern spelling. Parents who want the sound without the musical baggage often choose Lyla.
The legend of Layla and Majnun — the Arabic Romeo and Juliet — has been told across the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia for over a millennium. The name carries resonance in Islamic culture as a symbol of transcendent love. In the West, Clapton's song Layla is one of rock's greatest love songs.
Fun Facts
- Eric Clapton's 'Layla' (1970) is consistently ranked among the greatest rock songs ever recorded
- The 7th-century Arabic romance of Layla and Majnun inspired Nizami's 12th-century Persian epic poem
- Lyla is the most modern and simplified spelling of a name that has existed in Arabic poetry for 1,400 years
Lyla in Other Languages
Arabic
ليلى (Layla)
French
Lyla
Hebrew
לֵילָה (Leila)
Persian
لیلا (Leila)
Spanish
Lyla
Turkish
Leyla
Famous People Named Lyla
L
Layla Hassan
Politician
1981
Danish-Somali politician who served as Minister for Equal Opportunities in Denmark
L
Layla El
Entertainer
1977
American professional wrestler and dancer who performed in WWE and won the Divas Championship
L
Layla (Qays and Layla) Fictional
Other
The beloved of the epic Arabic love story, Layla and Majnun, told across the Middle East and South Asia for over a thous...
The beloved of the epic Arabic love story, Layla and Majnun, told across the Middle East and South Asia for over a thousand years
L
Lyla Garrity Fictional
Other
A central character in the beloved American drama Friday Night Lights, portrayed by Minka Kelly
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #83
- Total SSA Count
- 2,944
- Cultural Origins
- English Arabic Persian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ly
Pairs Well With
Lyla Rose
Lyla Grace
Lyla Mae
Lyla Claire
Lyla Jade
Lyla Belle
Lyla Anne
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Lyla is also used as a boy name, ranked #32323.
View Lyla as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Lyla and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Lyla sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyla
What does the name Lyla mean?
"night" (from Arabic (variant of Leila)). "dark beauty" (from Persian (laylah)). "night; dark beauty" (from Arabic). "born at night" (from Hebrew). Lyla is a modern English spelling variant of Layla or Lila, derived from the Arabic 'layla' meaning 'night.' The name has deep roots in Arabic poetry, most famously in the 7th-century love story of Qays and Layla — an unrequited romance so enduring it became a metaphor for yearning in Persian, Urdu, and Arabic literature.
What is the origin of the name Lyla?
Lyla has Arabic (variant of Leila), Persian (laylah), Arabic, Hebrew, English, Persian, and American origins. In Arabic (variant of Leila), it means "night". In Persian (laylah), it means "dark beauty". In Arabic, it means "night; dark beauty". In Hebrew, it means "born at night".
Is Lyla a boy or girl name?
Lyla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #83. As a boy name, it is ranked #32323. Lyla is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Lyla?
Lyla is currently ranked #83 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lyla?
Common nicknames for Lyla include Ly.
What are good middle names for Lyla?
Popular middle name pairings include Lyla Rose, Lyla Grace, Lyla Mae, Lyla Claire, Lyla Jade, Lyla Belle, and Lyla Anne.
What are good sibling names for Lyla?
Names that pair well with Lyla as siblings include Isla, Stella, Aria, Luna, Kai, Jasper, and Finn.
How many syllables does Lyla have?
Lyla has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lyla a common or rare name?
Lyla is a very popular name, ranked #83 among girl names in the United States.
About the Name Lyla
Lyla is a girl name with English, Arabic, Persian, and American origins . The name means "night" in Arabic (variant of Leila) .
Is Lyla a boy or girl name? Lyla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #83 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #32,323. Lyla is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lyla is currently ranked #83 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lyla has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lyla include Ly. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lyla include Lylah, Lylla . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.