The nameLaila

Laila is a girl's name of Arabic origin meaning "night". A spelling of Layla, it is popular in Britain and the United States.

Meaning

Laila comes from the Arabic layla, "night", a symbol of beauty and mystery in Arabic poetry.

Origin

Arabic. Layla and Majnun is a famous love story of Arabic and Persian literature.

History

Laila rose in the 2000s, reaching the top 100 in England and Wales. Laila Ali, the boxer, is a famous bearer.

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Famous people named Laila

Popularity of the name Laila

Laila in the United States

370thmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
2008peak year (2,413 births)
42,736babies named Laila in the United States since 1880
01,2072,413 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Laila was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 19,666 births over the decade, 46% of all recorded babies named Laila. Its rise began around 2000, and it peaked in 2008. Half of all babies named Laila in the United States were born before 2011, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,083 births a year on average, against 1,734 in the five years before.

Laila in the United Kingdom

300thmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2010peak year (652 births)
7,415babies named Laila in the United Kingdom since 1997
0326652 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Laila was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 3,774 births over the decade, 51% of all recorded babies named Laila. Half of all babies named Laila in the United Kingdom were born before 2011, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 155 births a year on average, against 219 in the five years before.

Laila in France

667thmost popular girls' name in France, latest official figures
1982peak year (240 births)
6,425babies named Laila in France since 1900
0120240 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Laila in Switzerland

418thmost popular girls' name in Switzerland in 2025
2009peak year (41 births)
729babies named Laila in Switzerland since 2000
02141 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Switzerland. Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Laila in Norway

405thmost popular girls' name in Norway in 2025
1946peak year (320 births)
9,513babies named Laila in Norway since 1945
0160320 1960198020002020
Births per year in Norway. Source: Statistics Norway (SSB), table 10467.

Sibling names for Laila

Names from the same generation as Laila, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Laila? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Laila with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Laila side by side with the name of your choice.

Laila in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Laila mean?

Laila comes from the Arabic layla, "night", a symbol of beauty and mystery in Arabic poetry.

What is the origin of the name Laila?

Arabic. Layla and Majnun is a famous love story of Arabic and Persian literature.

Is Laila a girl's or a boy's name?

Laila is a girl's name.

How popular is the name Laila?

In 2024, Laila was the 370th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 839 births.

What are good sibling names for Laila?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Leila, Aliyah, Lilly and Izabella for a sister, Mohamed, Ali, Ayden and Brayden for a brother.

Who are famous people named Laila?

Laila Ali, boxer; Laila Morse, actress.