The name Leyla resonates with a timeless charm, evoking images of beauty, mystery, and grace. Choosing a name for your child is a significant decision, and understanding the nuances of a name like Leyla – its meaning, origin, and popularity – can be incredibly helpful. Let’s delve into everything there is to know about the name Leyla.
(Image of Leyla name graphic from the provided HTML)
Leyla Name Meaning
While the provided HTML doesn’t explicitly state the meaning, Leyla is generally understood to mean "night" or "dark beauty." Its roots are primarily Arabic. This connection to the night lends the name a sense of enchantment and allure.
Leyla Name Popularity
How popular is the name Leyla? The data below, sourced from the Social Security Administration (SSA), offers a comprehensive look at the name’s historical trends in the United States.
The data reveals a fascinating journey. The name remained largely unused until the latter half of the 20th century. From 1910 up to 1968, there’s almost no recorded use of the name. It wasn’t until 1969 that Leyla began to appear, albeit sparingly, in the SSA records.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1968 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1969 | 2,619 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1970 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1971 | 2,240 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1972 | 1,578 | 22 | 0.0016% |
| 1973 | 2,026 | 10 | 0.0008% |
| 1974 | 2,075 | 10 | 0.0008% |
| 1975 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1976 | 2,628 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1977 | 2,125 | 12 | 0.0009% |
| 1978 | 1,951 | 15 | 0.0011% |
| 1979 | 2,213 | 12 | 0.0009% |
| 1980 | 2,643 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1981 | 2,894 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1982 | 2,354 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1983 | 2,275 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1984 | 3,194 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1985 | 2,980 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1986 | 2,948 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1987 | 2,332 | 13 | 0.0009% |
| 1988 | 2,311 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 1989 | 2,405 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 1990 | 2,564 | 14 | 0.0008% |
| 1991 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1992 | 2,762 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1993 | 2,376 | 17 | 0.0011% |
| 1994 | 3,099 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1995 | 2,006 | 27 | 0.0018% |
| 1996 | 2,240 | 19 | 0.0013% |
| 1997 | 2,010 | 28 | 0.0019% |
| 1998 | 2,991 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 1999 | 1,633 | 51 | 0.0034% |
| 2000 | 1,552 | 64 | 0.0042% |
| 2001 | 1,318 | 92 | 0.0061% |
| 2002 | 1,257 | 102 | 0.0068% |
| 2003 | 1,187 | 124 | 0.0082% |
| 2004 | 1,077 | 158 | 0.0104% |
| 2005 | 978 | 197 | 0.0129% |
| 2006 | 964 | 216 | 0.0138% |
| 2007 | 758 | 328 | 0.0208% |
| 2008 | 769 | 325 | 0.021% |
| 2009 | 747 | 329 | 0.022% |
| 2010 | 765 | 308 | 0.0214% |
| 2011 | 727 | 325 | 0.0228% |
| 2012 | 719 | 329 | 0.0231% |
| 2013 | 603 | 414 | 0.0291% |
| 2014 | 686 | 351 | 0.0241% |
| 2015 | 731 | 320 | 0.022% |
| 2016 | 682 | 356 | 0.0247% |
| 2017 | 594 | 434 | 0.0311% |
| 2018 | 608 | 417 | 0.0304% |
| 2019 | 668 | 358 | 0.0264% |
| 2020 | 592 | 438 | 0.0344% |
| 2021 | 699 | 338 | 0.0276% |
| 2022 | 593 | 463 | 0.0351% |
| 2023 | 614 | 445 | 0.0344% |
This table illustrates a clear upward trend in recent decades. While the name might not be in the top 10, its consistent presence and increasing number of births each year indicate a growing appeal. This makes Leyla a popular choice without being overly common.
Regional Popularity
The provided data includes a chart showing the name’s popularity in Washington D.C. While this is just one data point, it suggests potential regional variations in the name’s usage. It would be useful to analyze data from other states to get a more complete picture of regional trends.
Names Similar to Leyla
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Leyla, you might also consider these similar names:
Sound-Alike Names:
- Layla: An extremely close variant, also meaning "night."
- Leala: A French name meaning "loyal, faithful."
- Leela: Also with Arabic roots, meaning "night beauty."
- Lela: African origin, meaning "black beauty."
- Leola: Latin, meaning "loyal, faithful; lion."
- Lyla: English, another variation meaning "night."
Similar Names (Slightly Different):
- Beyla: Spanish, meaning "dance; beautiful."
- Jeyla: Latin, meaning "blue crested bird."
- Keyla: Irish, meaning "slim and fair."
- Leya: Spanish, meaning "the law."
- Leyda: Greek origin.
- Leyna: Origin unknown.
Conclusion
Leyla is a beautiful and evocative name with Arabic origins, meaning "night" or "dark beauty." Its popularity has been steadily increasing in recent years, making it a stylish yet not overly common choice. If you are looking for a name with a touch of mystery and elegance, Leyla is certainly worth considering. The similar-sounding and related names offer even more options if you’re not entirely sold on Leyla itself.