Verdict: Lila is a stellar choice for a baby born in 2025. It bridges the gap between the “grandma chic” revival and the modern love for vowel-heavy, short names. It is familiar enough to require no spelling explanations, yet distinctive enough to stand out in a classroom.
Lila Overview
- Meaning: Lila means “night,” “dark,” and “play” in Arabic, Hindi, and Persian. It can also mean “purple,” pointing to the lilac trees, and is a nickname for Delilah.
- Gender: Lila is traditionally a girl’s name.
- Origin: Lila’s roots are in Arabic, Hindi, and Persian dialects and are connected to “layl.” Lila is also a European title, finding roots in Germany, where it’s connected to lilacs.
- Pronunciation: Lila is pronounced “LYE-luh” and “LAY-luh” worldwide.
- Popularity: Lila landed on American name charts in 1900, ranking #191. Lila peaked in 2010, ranking among the top 151 girl names in the U.S.
- Nicknames: La La, Lil, Lilac, Lily, Lulu, Lye.
- Variations: Layla, Laylah, Leelah, Leighla, Leila, Lilah, Lilla, Lyelah, Lylah.
- Namesakes: Lila Brown, Mexican singer. Lila Diane Sawyer, American news anchor.
What Does Lila Mean?
Lila is a multicultural gem with definitions that span from the spiritual to the natural world. In Arabic and Hebrew, the name is derived from the word for “night” (Layla), often interpreted as means “night” or “dark beauty.” It captures the serenity and mystery of the evening hours.
However, in Sanskrit and Hinduism, the meaning is entirely different and deeply philosophical. Here, Lila translates to “play” or “pastime.” It refers to the concept of the universe being the playground of the gods, suggesting that life is a creative, spontaneous act of divine joy.
Additionally, in German and Persian contexts, Lila is associated with the color “purple” or the lilac flower, giving it a botanical and fragrant connection.
Where Does the Name Lila Come From?
The name has a trifecta of origins that have helped it travel across the globe.
- The Middle East: It stems from the Semitic root “l-y-l,” found in the Arabic name Layla. This iteration gained fame through the 7th-century romantic poem “Layla and Majnun,” which is often compared to Romeo and Juliet.
- South Asia: It is a direct transcription of the Sanskrit word for “divine play,” making it a classic choice in India for centuries.
- The West: In English-speaking countries, Lila gained traction in the Victorian era as a floral name, similar to Lily and Rose, and as a diminutive of names like Delilah and Elizabeth.
How Popular is the Name Lila?
Lila is the definition of a “vintage revival” success story. In the United States, it was a household staple in the early 1900s, consistently ranking in the top 200. However, like many names from that era, it fell out of fashion mid-century, nearly disappearing from the charts between the 1970s and 1990s.
In the 21st century, Lila made a stunning comeback. It fits the modern criteria for a hit name: it is short, ends in a vowel, and has a classic pedigree. While it has not yet cracked the Top 10 like its cousin Layla or the similar-sounding Isla, it remains a “sweet spot” name. It is recognizable and stylish without being overused, making it a perfect choice for parents who want something popular but not omnipresent.
How Do I Pronounce Lila?
In English-speaking countries, the most common pronunciation is LYE-luh (rhyming with Delilah).
However, because of its global reach, you may hear variations:
- LAY-luh: This is common in some European regions or when considered a spelling variation of Layla.
- LEE-luh: This is the standard pronunciation in India and for the Sanskrit origin.
Is Lila a Boy or Girl Name?
Lila is almost exclusively used as a girl’s name. While names ending in “a” are occasionally used for boys in certain cultures, Lila’s strong association with flowers, night beauties, and feminine deities keeps it firmly in the female camp in the US and Europe.
Variations of Lila
Because Lila exists in so many languages, the spelling possibilities are abundant.
- Lilah: (Hebrew) The addition of the “h” often signals a Hebrew origin or a desire for a more complete look.
- Lyla: (English) A modern spelling that clarifies the “LYE” pronunciation immediately.
- Leela: (Sanskrit) The phonetic spelling for the Indian pronunciation.
- Leila: (Persian/Arabic) A classic variation often pronounced LAY-luh or LEE-luh depending on the region.
- Lilla: (Swedish/Italian) Often means “little” or “lilac” in these languages.
Nicknames for Lila
Despite being a short name, Lila has plenty of potential for affectionate short forms.
- Lil: Short, snappy, and vintage.
- La La: A playful option for toddlers.
- Li: (Pronounced Lee) Sweet and simple.
- Lilo: A creative, energetic twist popular with Disney fans.
- Lo: A modern, cool-girl nickname.
- Lye: A phonetic shortening.
Names Similar to Lila
If you love the sound of Lila but want to explore other options, these names share a similar “liquid” sound or vintage vibe.
- Isla: Shares the “eye-la” sound but with a Scottish island flair.
- Mila: A Slavic favorite that swaps the L for an M.
- Lily: The perennial floral favorite.
- Leah: A biblical classic that feels softer.
- Willa: Stronger and slightly more old-fashioned.
- Delilah: The longer, melodic version.
- Nila: Offers a similar sound with a distinct “blue” meaning in Sanskrit.
- Kaia: Short, exotic, and vowel-heavy.
Middle Names for Lila
Lila is a versatile first name that pairs well with various styles. Here are curated pairings to help you find the right flow.
Classic & Timeless
Nature & Boho
Modern & Edgy
- Lila Quinn
- Lila Sloane
- Lila Blair
- Lila Blake
- Lila Scout
Sibling Names for Lila
Building a sibset around Lila requires matching its vintage charm and soft consonants.
For a Brother
- Liam: Shares the liquid “L” sound.
- Julian: Soft, romantic, and historic.
- Finn: Short, energetic, and Irish.
- Jasper: Matches the vintage, nature vibe.
- Lucas: A classic that grounds the ethereal Lila.
- Ezra: Biblical and stylishly vowel-heavy.
For a Sister
- Ruby: Spunky and vintage like Lila.
- Stella: Means “star,” pairing perfectly with Lila’s “night” meaning.
- Chloe: A Greek classic with a similar popularity level.
- Ivy: Short, botanical, and classy.
- Penelope: A longer name that offers great nickname potential.
- Mae: A sweet, one-syllable vintage choice.
Famous People Named Lila
- Lila Moss: The daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, who has established her own successful modeling career, bringing a modern “cool girl” vibe to the name.
- Lila Downs: A celebrated Mexican singer-songwriter and actress known for her work in preserving indigenous Mexican culture.
- Lila Diane Sawyer: Known professionally as Diane Sawyer, she is one of America’s most respected broadcast journalists.
- Lila Kedrova: A Russian-born French actress who won an Academy Award for “Zorba the Greek.”
- Lila McCann: An American country music singer who gained fame as a teenager in the 1990s.
Lila in Pop Culture
- Lila Fowler: The wealthy, somewhat snobbish, but iconic best friend (and frenemy) of Jessica Wakefield in the “Sweet Valley High” book series.
- Lila Rossi: A recurring antagonist in the popular animated series “Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.”
- Lila Pitts: A character in the second season of the hit series “The Umbrella Academy.”
- Lila Crane: The sister of Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece “Psycho.”
- Lila: The best friend of the title character in the cartoon “Hey Arnold!”
FAQs About the Name Lila
What Does Lila Mean Biblically?
Lila isn’t directly mentioned in the Bible as a standalone name, but it is etymologically linked to the Hebrew word “layla,” meaning night. Many also view it as a derivative of Delilah, the Philistine woman in the Book of Judges known for cutting Samson’s hair. While Delilah has a complicated reputation, the name Lila offers a fresh slate without the immediate biblical baggage.
What Religion Is the Name Lila?
Lila is a truly interfaith name. It is significant in Hinduism (referring to divine play), widely used in Islamic cultures (derived from Layla/Night), and common in Christian and secular Western cultures due to its floral connection to the lilac. This universality makes it a wonderful bridge between different heritages.
Is Lila a Rare Name?
No, Lila is not considered rare in 2025, but it is not overexposed either. It consistently ranks in the top 250 names in the US, meaning it is familiar and well-liked but you likely won’t have three of them in the same kindergarten class. It strikes a balance between being unique and traditional.
How Do You Spell Lila?
The most traditional spelling for the “night” or “play” meaning is Lila. However, if you want to ensure the pronunciation “LYE-luh,” the spelling Lyla has become increasingly popular in the US. For a Hebrew flair, many parents opt for Lilah. If you are aiming for the Sanskrit pronunciation “LEE-luh,” the spelling Leela is best.
Is Lila Short for Elizabeth?
While less common today, Lila was historically used as a diminutive for names containing the “L” and “A” sounds, including Elizabeth and Delilah. In modern usage, however, Lila almost always stands on its own as a full given name rather than a nickname.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Lila?
In Hinduism, the concept of “Lila” is profound. It describes the cosmos as the outcome of the creative play of the divine. It suggests that the world was not created out of necessity, but out of joy and spontaneity. Giving a child this name can symbolize a wish for their life to be full of joy, creativity, and spiritual freedom.
Does Lila Mean Purple?
Yes, in German, the word “lila” translates directly to “purple” or “lilac.” If you are looking for a color-inspired name that is more subtle than Violet or Scarlett, Lila is a perfect hidden gem that honors the color purple.
Why Is Lila Popular Right Now?
Lila is trending because it ticks three major boxes for modern parents: it is vintage (part of the 1900s revival), it is nature-inspired (lilacs/night), and it is short and sweet. It follows the path paved by names like Ava, Mia, and Luna, offering a soft, vowel-rich sound that feels feminine and sophisticated.
