Origin
Arabic
Syllables
2
Zodiac
Scorpio
Trend
Declining
At a glance
Leila is a name often given to girls. Ranked #268 and is easing off the charts this year. It comes from a Arabic origin and traditionally means "Night; dark beauty, symbolizing mystery and elegance". It has 2 syllables.
The Story of Leila
The name Leila finds its roots in the Arabic word 'layl,' meaning 'night.' This evocative name has ancient origins, often associated with the serene and mysterious qualities of the evening. Over time, Leila evolved through poetry and storytelling in the Middle East, becoming a symbol of beauty and enigma. Its pronunciation and spelling have adapted across cultures, with variations like Layla emerging in different regions. Today, Leila remains a beloved name worldwide, cherished for its melodic sound and deep meaning.
Across cultures, Leila holds significant resonance, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries where it is tied to romantic and poetic traditions. In Persian literature, the story of 'Layla and Majnun'—a tragic love tale—has immortalized the name as a symbol of unattainable love and devotion. The name has also spread to Europe and the Americas, often embraced for its exotic charm and soft, lyrical tone. In modern times, Leila is celebrated as a name that bridges cultural divides, appealing to parents seeking something both unique and universally understood. Its association with night often ties it to themes of introspection and quiet strength in various societies.
Leila has made its mark in popular culture, appearing in literature, music, and film. Eric Clapton’s iconic song 'Layla,' inspired by the Persian tale, brought the name into the spotlight in the 1970s, cementing its romantic allure. In literature, characters named Leila often embody mystery or beauty, as seen in works like Paulo Coelho’s 'The Alchemist.' On screen, Leila appears in various TV shows and movies, often as a character with depth and emotional complexity. This consistent presence in media has helped maintain the name’s relevance and charm across generations.
Personality-wise, those named Leila are often seen as intuitive, creative, and deeply empathetic. They are thought to possess a quiet strength, much like the night itself—calm on the surface but full of hidden depth. Parents choosing Leila might envision a child who is thoughtful, artistic, and capable of profound connections with others. The name’s association with darkness and beauty often suggests a person who thrives in introspection and finds comfort in solitude. Overall, Leila is a name that carries an air of sophistication and emotional richness, making it a timeless choice for many.
Popularity
Currently ranked #268 on the Baby Billboard Charts. Peak rank: #268. Changed -28 positions from last year.
Numerology Profile
Leila’s life path number 7 signifies a deep thinker and seeker of truth. Individuals with this number are often introspective, spiritual, and analytical, thriving in environments where they can explore life’s mysteries. They are natural philosophers with a strong inner compass.
With a soul urge of 3, Leila embodies a desire for creativity and self-expression. Those with this number are often joyful, social, and artistic, yearning to inspire others through their talents. They seek beauty and connection in their lives.
A personality number of 4 suggests Leila is seen as dependable and grounded by others. People perceive her as organized, practical, and someone who values structure. This number reflects a trustworthy and hardworking nature.
Leila’s expression number 1 indicates leadership and independence in her talents. She is likely to be innovative, ambitious, and driven to carve her own path. This number highlights a pioneering spirit and a knack for originality.
Zodiac & Astrology
Scorpio
Leila’s association with night and mystery aligns perfectly with Scorpio’s intense and enigmatic nature. Scorpios are known for their depth and emotional insight, much like the quiet strength Leila embodies. This pairing reflects a shared allure and transformative energy.
Strengths
Compatible Signs
Lucky Numbers
Lucky Colors
Best Career Paths
Name Energy & Vibe
Leila’s energy feels like a quiet, starlit night, wrapping you in a cool, calming embrace. It whispers of secrets hidden in the shadows, inviting introspection under a velvet sky. There’s a serene depth to this name, like a still lake reflecting the moon’s glow.
Color Aura
Midnight Blue
Element
Water
Season
Winter
Gemstone
Onyx
Spirit Animal
Owl
Power Word
Mystery
Energy Type
Water × Winter
Personality & Traits
Creative
Leila often possesses a vivid imagination that shines through in art, storytelling, or problem-solving. Her creativity allows her to see the world differently, crafting unique solutions or expressions. She thrives when given freedom to explore her ideas.
Compassionate
Leila tends to have a deep well of empathy, always ready to support those in need. Her caring nature makes her a trusted friend and confidante. She often puts others’ feelings before her own, fostering strong bonds.
Intuitive
Leila has a knack for reading situations and people with uncanny accuracy. Her gut feelings often guide her decisions, leading to insightful choices. This trait helps her navigate complex emotions and relationships with ease.
Mysterious
Reflecting her name’s meaning, Leila often carries an air of enigma. She may keep her deepest thoughts private, revealing them only to a trusted few. This quality draws others to her, intrigued by her depth.
Independent
Leila values her autonomy and often prefers to chart her own course. She is self-reliant and confident in her abilities, rarely seeking validation from others. This independence empowers her to pursue her dreams fearlessly.
Reflective
Leila is often introspective, spending time pondering life’s bigger questions. Her reflective nature helps her grow emotionally and spiritually over time. She finds solace in quiet moments of contemplation.
Romantic
With ties to legendary love stories, Leila often has a romantic soul. She values deep connections and cherishes meaningful gestures in relationships. Her heart is drawn to beauty and passion in all forms.
Famous People Named Leila
Leila Khaled
Palestinian activist and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, known for her role in hijackings during the 1970s.
Leila Hatami
Iranian actress, acclaimed for her role in the Oscar-winning film 'A Separation' (2011).
Leila Lopes
Angolan beauty queen, crowned Miss Universe in 2011, advocating for natural beauty and humanitarian causes.
Leila Slimani
French-Moroccan author, winner of the Prix Goncourt for her novel 'Chanson Douce' (Lullaby).
Leila Bekhti
French actress of Algerian descent, known for her roles in 'Paris, je t’aime' and 'The Prophet.'
Leila Ali
American professional boxer, daughter of Muhammad Ali, and a champion in her own right.
Leila Aboulela
Sudanese-Scottish writer, celebrated for her novels exploring themes of identity and migration.
Leila in Pop Culture
Leila
Futurama (TV Show)
Layla
Eric Clapton Song
Leila
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Book)
Leila
Donnie Darko (Movie)
Layla
Winx Club (TV Show)
Leila
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV Show)
Historical Events
762
Founding of Baghdad, a city central to Arabic culture where names like Leila were celebrated in poetry.
1187
Saladin’s reconquest of Jerusalem, a period when Arabic names and stories spread through the region.
1970
Release of Eric Clapton’s 'Layla,' bringing the name into modern Western consciousness.
International Variations
Leila in Different Scripts
ليلى
Arabic
莱拉
Chinese (Mandarin)
レイラ
Japanese (Katakana)
레일라
Korean
ליילה
Hebrew
Λεϊλά
Greek
Лейла
Cyrillic
लैला
Hindi (Devanagari)
Nicknames & Short Forms
Middle Name Suggestions
Beautiful middle name pairings with Leila:
Leila Rose
Leila Marie
Leila Noor
Leila Jade
Leila Grace
Leila Amal
Leila Sophie
Leila Elise
Fun Facts & Trivia
Leila is often associated with the night sky, inspiring countless poems in Arabic literature.
The name gained global fame through Eric Clapton’s song 'Layla,' released in 1970.
In Persian culture, Layla is a central figure in one of the oldest love stories ever told.
Leila ranks among the top 200 names for girls in several countries, including the US and UK.
The name’s meaning, 'night,' ties it to themes of dreams and subconscious exploration in many cultures.
Similar Names You Might Love
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Night in Arabic; divine play or beauty in Sanskrit.
girlLayla
Night or dark beauty
girlLaila
Night; symbolizes beauty and mystery in the darkness.
girlLydia
Woman from Lydia, an ancient region in Asia Minor
girlLina
Delicate and tender, symbolizing grace and gentleness
girlElla
Beautiful fairy woman or all, complete
girlMila
Dear, beloved, or gracious one
girlNila
Meaning 'blue' or 'sapphire,' symbolizing the Nile River or divine beauty.
girlKyla
Narrow channel or beautiful, from Scottish 'caol' meaning slender.
girlSelah
To pause or lift up in praise
girlNyla
Winner or achiever, symbolizing success and determination.
girlZara
Princess; flower, symbolizing royalty and beauty
girlPronunciation
LAY-lah
Quick Facts
This page is reviewed by the Baby Billboard Charts editorial team. Rankings come from official U.S. Social Security Administration birth records, with descriptions checked for clarity and usefulness. See our Editorial Policy for our methodology and correction process.