Layla
Layla is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning “Night, dark beauty”, pronounced LAY-luh. It ranked #36 in the United States in 2025, given to 5,338 babies, and peaked at #23 in 2019. Common nicknames: Lay, Lala, Lulu.
How popular is 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.
What does Layla mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Layla used 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.
What are the 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
If you like Layla, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Layla
Looking for names that pair well with Layla? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.