Leila
Night, dark-haired beauty — a girl name of Arabic, Persian origin
Popularity of Leila 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 Leila
Leila is an Arabic and Persian name meaning "night," symbolizing beauty and mystery under the stars, closely related to Layla. It is central to one of the most beloved love stories of the Islamic and Persian world, "Layla and Majnun," recounting the passionate but ultimately unfulfilled love between the poet Qays and the beautiful Layla. The Persian spelling Leila has also been embraced widely in Western literature and music, giving it broad international recognition and a timeless romantic aura.
Leila Around the World
Leila is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 13+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Leila
Famous People Named Leila
- Leila Khaled — Palestinian political activist
- Leila Slimani — French-Moroccan Prix Goncourt-winning author
- Leila Hatami — Iranian actress
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Sibling Name Ideas for Leila
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Leila mean?
Leila is a girl name of Arabic, Persian origin meaning "Night, dark-haired beauty." Leila is an Arabic and Persian name meaning "night," symbolizing beauty and mystery under the stars, closely related to Layla. It is central to one of the most beloved love stories of the Islamic and Persian world, "Layla and Majnun," recounting the passionate but ultimately unfulfilled love between the poet Qays and the beautiful Layla.
How do you pronounce Leila?
Leila is pronounced LAY-luh. Common variations include Layla, Laila, Leyla.
Is Leila a girl name?
Yes, Leila is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Lei, Lala.
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