Laila
Laila is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning “Night, dark beauty”, pronounced LAY-luh. It ranked #413 in the United States in 2025, given to 755 babies, and peaked at #135 in 2009. Common nicknames: Lay, Lala.
How popular is Laila in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Laila mean, and where does it come from?
Laila is a popular spelling variant of Layla, an Arabic name meaning "night," evoking the beauty and mystery of a starlit sky. It shares the same roots as the legendary tale of Qays and Layla, one of the great romantic epics of the Arabic-speaking world. This particular spelling has become common across English-speaking countries, valued for its soft sound and elegant simplicity. Laila offers a slightly different visual flow on paper while retaining the same lyrical pronunciation as its more traditional counterpart.
How is Laila used around the world?
Laila is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 8+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Laila?
Famous People Named Laila
- Laila Ali — American former professional boxer and daughter of Muhammad Ali
- Laila Robins — American stage and screen actress
- Laila Rouass — British actress and television presenter
Similar Names to Laila
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Sibling Name Ideas for Laila
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Laila mean?
Laila is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning "Night, dark beauty." Laila is a popular spelling variant of Layla, an Arabic name meaning "night," evoking the beauty and mystery of a starlit sky. It shares the same roots as the legendary tale of Qays and Layla, one of the great romantic epics of the Arabic-speaking world.
How do you pronounce Laila?
Laila is pronounced LAY-luh. Common variations include Layla, Leila, Laylah.
Is Laila a girl name?
Yes, Laila is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Lay, Lala.