The name Layla is a captivating choice, brimming with beauty and an air of mystique. Derived from the Arabic word for "night," Layla carries a sense of enchantment and quiet elegance. It’s a name that has resonated across cultures, finding a place in both Arabic-speaking nations and English-speaking circles. The name is a derivative of Leila, which is also Arabic for night.
Meaning and Origins
The meaning of Layla, quite simply, is "night." This association lends the name a certain allure, evoking images of starry skies, moonlit landscapes, and the quiet magic that unfolds after dark. The name’s origin in Arabic cultures provides a rich and ancient feel, contributing to its timeless appeal. It’s a name that whispers of stories passed down through generations, of traditions and heritage.
The nightly essence of Layla makes it a compelling option for parents seeking a name that’s both unique and approachable. It possesses an edgy quality without being overly dramatic or descriptive. It allows a child to embrace the meaning without being overwhelmed by a specific image, offering room for individuality and self-expression. Unlike the name Raven, which carries a more direct and perhaps overwhelming image, Layla’s connection to night is subtler, more suggestive.
A Modern Classic
Layla seamlessly blends the familiar charm of names like Kayla, a popular choice in the 1990s, with the trendy "L" sound found in contemporary favorites such as Lily, Leah, and Lucy. This combination of classic and modern elements contributes to Layla’s enduring appeal. Its sound and history also evoke an exotic feel, similar to names like Mila, Luna, and Aurora, further enhancing its allure.
Despite its somewhat mysterious aura, Layla is surprisingly common. This is partly due to the existence of numerous spelling variations, including Leila, Laila, Leyla, and Laylah. While similar in sound, it’s important not to confuse Layla with Lilah and Leela, though each of these names possesses its own distinct beauty.
Versatility and Timelessness
One of Layla’s greatest strengths is its versatility. It strikes a perfect balance between youthfulness and maturity, making it suitable for girls and women of all ages. It never feels too childish or overly serious, maintaining a sense of effortless style and grace. It’s a name that can adapt to any personality, any stage of life.
Layla has a fashionable quality that suggests it is not a passing trend, and it is likely to remain a popular choice for years to come. It’s a name that resonates with a sense of strength, elegance, and enduring beauty.
Layla Name Popularity
How popular is the name Layla? Here’s a look at its ranking over the years:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1970 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1971 | 2,171 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1972 | 979 | 72 | 0.0053% |
| 1973 | 858 | 99 | 0.0076% |
| 1974 | 774 | 131 | 0.0101% |
| 1975 | 771 | 132 | 0.0103% |
| 1976 | 823 | 118 | 0.0092% |
| 1977 | 802 | 133 | 0.0099% |
| 1978 | 1,036 | 81 | 0.006% |
| 1979 | 1,062 | 80 | 0.0057% |
| 1980 | 1,036 | 88 | 0.006% |
| 1981 | 1,386 | 44 | 0.003% |
| 1982 | 1,293 | 52 | 0.0035% |
| 1983 | 1,586 | 29 | 0.002% |
| 1984 | 1,199 | 60 | 0.004% |
| 1985 | 1,509 | 36 | 0.0024% |
| 1986 | 1,224 | 63 | 0.0042% |
| 1987 | 1,530 | 40 | 0.0026% |
| 1988 | 1,284 | 62 | 0.004% |
| 1989 | 1,602 | 43 | 0.0027% |
| 1990 | 1,226 | 87 | 0.0052% |
| 1991 | 1,616 | 48 | 0.0029% |
| 1992 | 1,091 | 116 | 0.0073% |
| 1993 | 682 | 272 | 0.0174% |
| 1994 | 911 | 160 | 0.0104% |
| 1995 | 846 | 181 | 0.012% |
| 1996 | 879 | 173 | 0.0116% |
| 1997 | 977 | 147 | 0.0099% |
| 1998 | 860 | 194 | 0.013% |
| 1999 | 668 | 297 | 0.0198% |
| 2000 | 406 | 669 | 0.0438% |
| 2001 | 329 | 917 | 0.0609% |
| 2002 | 291 | 1,040 | 0.0694% |
| 2003 | 195 | 1,663 | 0.1093% |
| 2004 | 169 | 1,994 | 0.1308% |
| 2005 | 144 | 2,370 | 0.155% |
| 2006 | 101 | 3,349 | 0.2139% |
| 2007 | 85 | 3,893 | 0.2467% |
| 2008 | 55 | 4,930 | 0.319% |
| 2009 | 45 | 5,200 | 0.3479% |
| 2010 | 37 | 5,889 | 0.4087% |
| 2011 | 35 | 6,076 | 0.4265% |
| 2012 | 31 | 6,263 | 0.4395% |
| 2013 | 30 | 6,477 | 0.4549% |
| 2014 | 29 | 6,446 | 0.4424% |
| 2015 | 30 | 6,325 | 0.4347% |
| 2016 | 30 | 6,246 | 0.4332% |
| 2017 | 26 | 6,274 | 0.4495% |
| 2018 | 27 | 6,459 | 0.4701% |
| 2019 | 23 | 6,478 | 0.4785% |
| 2020 | 24 | 6,086 | 0.4781% |
| 2021 | 25 | 5,812 | 0.4754% |
| 2022 | 29 | 6,058 | 0.4592% |
| 2023 | 30 | 5,698 | 0.4403% |
Data via SSA.gov.
Names Like Layla
If you are drawn to the name Layla, you might also appreciate these similar names:
Diminutives of Layla:
- Lala (Slavic, meaning "tulip")
Variants of Layla:
- Laela (Arabic, "night beauty")
- Laila (Arabic, "night")
- Laylah (Arabic, "night beauty")
- Leila (Arabic, "night")
- Leyla (Arabic, "night beauty")
Names That Sound Like Layla:
- Bayla (English, "berry clearing; bailiff; city fortification")
- Jayla (American, "combination name")
- Kayla (English, "pure")
- Kyla (English, "narrow strait")
- Lalla ("The maiden from the Lowlands")
- Leela (Arabic, "night beauty")
- Lilah (Arabic, "night")
- Lyla (English, "night")
- Nyla (Arabic, "one who achieves")
- Rayla
Similar Names:
- Amira (Arabic, "ruling princess")
- Aria (English, "vocal solo")
- Calista (Latin, "cup; fairest, most beautiful")
- Camila (Spanish, "young religious servant")
- Dahlia (Scandinavian, "dahlia flower")
- Farrah (English, "good-looking")
- Mila (Slavic, "dear and gracious")
- Mira (Spanish, "wonderful; peace; prosperous")
- Penelope (Greek, "weaver")
- Phoebe (Greek, "bright and pure")
Siblings of Layla
Parents who choose the name Layla often select these names for their other children:
- Christian (Latin, "follower of Christ")
- Elsie (English, "God is my oath")
- Samuel (Hebrew, "name of God")
- Amina (Arabic, "truthful one")
- Lillith (Ancient, "belonging to the night")
- Kayden (American, "son of Cadan")
- Jacob (Hebrew, "supplanter")
- Kylie (Aboriginal, "boomerang")
- Chloe (Greek, "green sprout")
- Elysia (Latin)
- Demetrius (Greek, "follower of Demeter")
In conclusion, Layla is a name with a rich history, a beautiful meaning, and a timeless appeal. Its versatility and enduring popularity make it a wonderful choice for any little girl.