The nameLayla
Layla is an Arabic girl's name usually understood as "night". The heroine of a famous Arabic love story, it has been popular in the United States and Britain since the 2000s.
- Girl's name
- Arabic
Meaning
Layla is usually linked to the Arabic layl, "night", suggesting dark beauty.
Origin
Arabic. The story of Layla and Majnun, a tale of impossible love told by the Persian poet Nizami in the 12th century, made the name famous.
History
Eric Clapton's song Layla (1970), recorded with Derek and the Dominos, was inspired by that legend. The name entered the American top 100 in 2007 and reached 23rd place in 2019.
Famous people named Layla
- Layla Moran, politician
- Layla El, wrestler
Popularity of the name Layla
Layla in the United States
Layla was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 63,279 births over the decade, 51% of all recorded babies named Layla. Its rise began around 2000, and it peaked in 2019. Half of all babies named Layla in the United States were born before 2014, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 5,935 births a year.
Layla in the United Kingdom
Layla was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 15,992 births over the decade, 57% of all recorded babies named Layla. Its rise began around 2002, and it peaked in 2012. Half of all babies named Layla in the United Kingdom were born before 2014, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 948 births a year on average, against 1,318 in the five years before.
Layla in Ireland
Layla in France
Layla in Belgium
Layla in Switzerland
Sibling names for Layla
Names from the same generation as Layla, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Layla? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Layla with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Layla side by side with the name of your choice.
Layla in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Layla mean?
Layla is usually linked to the Arabic layl, "night", suggesting dark beauty.
What is the origin of the name Layla?
Arabic. The story of Layla and Majnun, a tale of impossible love told by the Persian poet Nizami in the 12th century, made the name famous.
Is Layla a girl's or a boy's name?
Layla is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Layla?
In 2024, Layla was the 37th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 5,305 births.
What are good sibling names for Layla?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Lucy, Genesis, Sofia and Zoey for a sister, Josiah, Kayden, Nolan and Wyatt for a brother.
Who are famous people named Layla?
Layla Moran, politician; Layla El, wrestler.