Derived from Arabic origins, Layla translates to “night” or “dark beauty.” It does not just refer to the time of day; in poetic tradition, it suggests the intoxicating beauty of the night and the depth of the universe. It is a name that has traveled from the sands of 7th-century Arabia to the rock stages of the 1970s, finally landing as a top-tier choice for parents in the 21st century.
Verdict: Layla is the perfect choice for a baby born in 2025 if you want a name that is universally recognized but not plain. It offers the “sweet spot” of being easy to spell and pronounce while retaining an exotic flair. It is a name for a girl who is destined to be both a dreamer and a muse.
Layla Overview
- Meaning: Layla means “night” or “dark.”
- Gender: Layla is a feminine name.
- Origin: Layla originates from a Proto-Semitic language related to the word “layl” meaning “night.”
- Pronunciation: Layla is pronounced, “LAY-lah” or “LAY-luh.”
- Popularity: Layla is a popular name in the United States, ranking #25 for girls in 2021.
- Nicknames: Ayla, Lala, Lay, Lay Lay, Layla Bug, Lays, Lila, Lulu, Ly.
- Variations: Laela, Laelah, Laila, Laylah, Leila, Leilah, Lejla, Leyla, Lylah.
- Namesakes: Layla al-Akhayliyya, Layla al-Attar, Layla Ali, Layla El, Layla Hanbury, Layla Palmer.
What Does Layla Mean?
The name Layla means “night” or “dark.” However, the etymology offers a richer tapestry than a simple time of day. In Arabic, the root word layl denotes the night, but the name Layla (or Leila) has historically been associated with the intoxication of wine, specifically the dark, heady red wine of antiquity. This association links the name to a sense of overwhelming, mystical beauty that intoxicates the senses.
It is often interpreted as “daughter of the night” or “born at night.” Traditionally, families in the Middle East might have bestowed this name upon a baby girl born after sundown, signifying that she was a beauty of the night.
Layla is a prominent Arabic girl’s name that transcended its cultural borders to become a global phenomenon. In the 7th century, the tragic romance “Layla and Majnun” cemented the name as an enduring symbol of undying love, centuries before Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet.
Where Does the Name Layla Come From?
Layla is a name with ancient Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, and Latin roots. Linguistically, it is believed to derive from the Proto-Semitic language that serves as the ancestor for Aramaic, Hebrew, Arabic, and Syriac. Variations of the trilateral root l-y-l, meaning “night,” are consistent across these Semitic languages.
In Jewish folklore (specifically the Midrash), there is mention of an angel named “Lailah” (Night) who oversees conception and pregnancy. This angel is unique because she is described with distinctly feminine characteristics, unlike many other angels in religious texts who are male or gender-neutral. However, it is important to note that the angel Lailah does not appear in the canonical Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), but rather in rabbinic interpretations.
The name’s cultural trajectory changed forever in the 7th century due to the poet Qays ibn al-Mulawwah. His obsession with a woman named Layla led him to be called “Majnun” (madman). His poems, filled with longing and devotion, spread throughout Arabia, Persia, and Turkey, carrying the name Layla with them. Centuries later, this story inspired Eric Clapton to write his 1970 rock anthem, which introduced the name to the Western world.
How Popular is the Name Layla?
Layla is a massive modern hit in the United States. While it was virtually non-existent on American birth certificates prior to the 1970s, it has become a defining name of the current generation.
According to the Social Security Administration, Layla was the 25th most popular name for girls in 2021 (1). Its rise was not overnight; it was a slow burn starting in the 1970s following the release of the song “Layla.” However, it truly skyrocketed in the early 2000s. Since 2009, Layla has securely held a spot in the Top 50, making it a certified modern classic. It is no longer considered a “trendy” flash-in-the-pan but a stable favorite for American parents.
How Do I Pronounce Layla?
The most common English pronunciation is “LAY-lah.” The first syllable rhymes with “day” or “bay.”
While the spelling is intuitive, confusion occasionally arises due to similar names. It is important not to pronounce it as “LIE-lah” (rhyming with eye); that pronunciation is generally reserved for the spelling Lila or Lyla.
Is Layla a Boy or Girl Name?
Layla is strictly a feminine name. Throughout history, from the ancient Arabic poets to modern pop culture, it has been used exclusively for girls. The meaning “daughter of the night” and the feminine grammatical structure of the word in Arabic reinforce this gender specificity.
Variations of Layla
Because this name traveled through the Middle East, into Europe, and across the Atlantic, it has picked up various spellings. “Layla” is the most popular phonetic spelling in the US, but others carry specific cultural flair:
- Laila: (Arabic/Scandinavian) A very common variation in Northern Europe.
- Leyla: (Turkish/Azerbaijani) The standard spelling in Turkey.
- Leila: (Persian/English) The traditional spelling used by Lord Byron.
- Lejla: (Bosnian/Slavic) Common in the Balkans.
- Laela: (Modern American) A phonetic variation.
- Leilah: (English) An elaboration to clarify pronunciation.
- Lila: (Sanskrit) Note that while similar, this often has a different root meaning “play.”
Nicknames for Layla
Layla is short and sweet, but nicknames are a way to add a layer of affection. Here are common and creative options:
- Lala: A playful, rhythmic classic.
- Lay: The effortless, cool-girl shorthand.
- Lulu: A vintage-style nickname that adds a bit of spunk.
- Ellie: Derived from the sound of the “L.”
- Nightshade: A creative, edgy nickname for a girl with a “dark beauty” name.
- Lee-Lee: A soft, repetitive diminutive.
- La: The shortest possible version.
- Ayla: Dropping the first letter for a softer sound.
Names Similar to Layla
If you love the liquid sound of Layla but want to explore other options, consider these names that share the same lyrical “L” sounds or vowel-heavy structure:
- Lola: Shares the double-L rhythm but feels slightly more retro.
- Lilah: A Hebrew option that sounds similar but means “delicate.”
- Maya: Shares the exotic, global appeal and the ending “a” sound.
- Kayla: A rhyming cousin that was a 90s staple.
- Amaya: Meaning “night rain,” it shares the atmospheric vibe of Layla.
- Zara: Another Arabic-English crossover hit meaning “blooming flower.”
- Nyla: A similar sound profile with Arabic roots meaning “winner.”
- Luna: Latin for “moon,” pairing perfectly with Layla’s “night.”
Middle Names for Layla
Layla is a melodic, two-syllable name that pairs well with a variety of middle names. We have categorized these to help you find the right flow.
One-Syllable Classics
A short, crisp middle name often grounds the lyrical sound of Layla.
Nature-Inspired
Play up the “night beauty” meaning with earthy or celestial pairings.
Vintage Elegance
Longer, older names give Layla a sophisticated, aristocratic feel.
Sibling Names for Layla
Creating a sibset requires matching the style, modern yet rooted in history.
For a Brother
These names share Layla’s soft sounds and general popularity.
- Caleb: Biblical and gentle, it pairs well with the soft “L” of Layla.
- Julian: A classic Roman name that matches Layla’s romance.
- Jayden: A modern hit that rhymes with the “Lay” sound.
- Levi: Shares the alliteration and Hebrew connection.
- Elijah: A soft, vowel-heavy name that flows beautifully with Layla.
- Zain: An Arabic name meaning “beauty” that is easy for English speakers.
For a Sister
These names hold their own against Layla without stealing the spotlight.
- Chloe: A Greek classic that feels just as lively.
- Aria: Another musical name that feels perfectly harmonious.
- Lauren: A grounded classic to balance the poetic Layla.
- Sophia: A name with Greek roots that matches Layla’s international usage.
- Nora: Short, vintage, and feminine; a great match.
- Selene: Meaning “moon,” this is the thematic twin to Layla.
Famous People Named Layla
The name has been borne by artists, athletes, and royalty.
- Layla al-Akhayliyya: An iconic Arab poet from the Umayyad period, famous for her elegies.
- Laila Ali: The undefeated American professional boxer and television personality, daughter of legend Muhammad Ali.
- Layla Kayleigh: A British TV personality and host, known for her work on MTV.
- Layla El: An English dancer, model, and retired professional wrestler with the WWE.
- Layla Hanbury: An Australian hip-hop artist known as “MC Layla.”
Layla in Pop Culture
- “Layla” (The Song): Eric Clapton’s Derek and the Dominos hit is arguably the most famous usage. It was inspired by the poet Nizami Ganjavi’s story of Layla and Majnun.
- Layla El-Faouly: A major character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series Moon Knight, who becomes the Scarlet Scarab.
- Layla Williams: A character in the movie Sky High who has the power to control plants.
- Layla Miller: A mutant character in the Marvel Comics universe known as “Butterfly.”
- Leela: The one-eyed captain in the animated sitcom Futurama (a variation of the name).
FAQs About the Name Layla
Is Layla a Royal Name?
Layla translates to “daughter of the night” and was revered in various cultures and religions. Despite this, the name Layla is not particularly royal in the British or European sense, though it has been used by princesses in the Middle East, such as Princess Laila of Jordan.
How Do You Say Layla in French?
In French, the name Layla is pronounced “LEE-lah.” “Layla” is the most common spelling of the name in France, though variations like Leïla are also popular to ensure the correct vowel pronunciation.
Is Layla a Biblical Name?
Layla is not a name found in the canonical Bible. However, the Hebrew word “laylah” simply means “night” and appears hundreds of times in the text. In the Midrash (rabbinic literature), there is an angel of conception named Lailah, but she is not part of the standard biblical narrative.
Why Did Eric Clapton Write the Song Layla?
Eric Clapton wrote the song “Layla” about his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend George Harrison. He was inspired by the 7th-century story of “Layla and Majnun,” a tale of a man driven to madness by his love for a woman he could not be with.
What Flowers Are Associated With the Name Layla?
Because of the meaning “night,” the name Layla is often associated with night-blooming flowers. The Night-Blooming Jasmine and the Moonflower are perfect botanical symbols for this name, representing beauty that reveals itself in the darkness.
Is Layla an Arabic Name?
Yes, Layla is fundamentally an Arabic name. It comes from the root word for “night.” It pre-dates Islam and was common in pre-Islamic Arabia, largely due to the popularity of the romantic poetry of that era.
What Are the Personality Traits of a Layla?
Based on numerology, Layla is often associated with the number 9. This suggests a personality that is compassionate, idealistic, and artistic. Girls named Layla are often thought of as romantic, musical, and deeply connected to the arts.
