The nameLila

Lila is a girl's name with several origins, Sanskrit, Arabic and English. Short and soft, it is rising in Britain and the United States.

Meaning

In Sanskrit, līlā means "play, divine play". In Arabic, Layla means "night". In English, Lila is also a form of Lily or Delilah.

Origin

Several origins meet in this name.

History

Lila rose in the 2010s and is in the American top 200.

Famous people named Lila

Popularity of the name Lila

Lila in the United States

207thmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
2010peak year (1,969 births)
74,864babies named Lila in the United States since 1880
09851,969 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Lila was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 16,566 births over the decade, 22% of all recorded babies named Lila. Its rise began around 1896, and it peaked in 2010. Half of all babies named Lila in the United States were born before 1964, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 1,373 births a year.

Lila in the United Kingdom

182ndmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2025peak year (309 births)
4,217babies named Lila in the United Kingdom since 1997
0155309 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.

Lila was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 1,887 births over the decade, 45% of all recorded babies named Lila. Its rise began around 2003, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Lila in the United Kingdom were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 234 births a year on average, against 180 in the five years before.

Lila in France

99thmost popular girls' name in France, latest official figures
2021peak year (815 births)
19,495babies named Lila in France since 1900
0408815 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Lila in Belgium

215thmost popular girls' name in Belgium in 2025
2018peak year (78 births)
1,204babies named Lila in Belgium since 1995
03978 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Lila

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

For a sister

For a brother

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

Compare Lila with another name

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

Lila in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Lila mean?

In Sanskrit, līlā means "play, divine play". In Arabic, Layla means "night". In English, Lila is also a form of Lily or Delilah.

What is the origin of the name Lila?

Several origins meet in this name.

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

Lila is a girl's name.

How popular is the name Lila?

In 2024, Lila was the 207th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 1,475 births.

What are the variants of the name Lila?

Variants and related names of Lila include Lilah and Lily.

What are good sibling names for Lila?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Lola, Lana, Liana and Serenity for a sister, Kayden, Lukas, Ayden and Romeo for a brother.

Who are famous people named Lila?

Lila Downs, singer; Lila Moss, model.