Layla
Night, dark beauty — a girl name of Arabic origin
Popularity of Layla in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Layla
Layla is an Arabic name meaning "night" or "dark beauty," evoking images of a starlit evening sky. The name is most famously associated with the 7th-century Arabic love story of Qays and Layla, in which a young poet goes mad with love for a woman named Layla. This tale, known as "Majnun Layla" (The Madman of Layla), is one of the great romantic narratives of the Islamic world, comparable to Romeo and Juliet. Eric Clapton's iconic 1970 rock song "Layla" further popularized the name in Western culture. Layla has climbed steadily in popularity, admired for its musical quality and romantic heritage.
Layla Around the World
Layla is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Layla
Famous People Named Layla
- Layla El — British-American professional wrestler
- Leila Khaled — Palestinian political activist
- Leila Slimani — French-Moroccan author and journalist
Similar Names to Layla
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Sibling Name Ideas for Layla
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Layla mean?
Layla is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning "Night, dark beauty." Layla is an Arabic name meaning "night" or "dark beauty," evoking images of a starlit evening sky. The name is most famously associated with the 7th-century Arabic love story of Qays and Layla, in which a young poet goes mad with love for a woman named Layla.
How do you pronounce Layla?
Layla is pronounced LAY-luh. Common variations include Leila, Leyla, Laylah.
Is Layla a girl name?
Yes, Layla is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Lay, Lala, Lulu.
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