Layla

Layla is a female first name that carries various meanings, including "the night", "the darkness", "the most beautiful of all nights", and "the queen of the night". Its origins can be found in the Arabic and Muslim world.

What does the name Layla mean?

The name Layla has several translations, such as "the night", "the darkness", "the most beautiful of all nights", and "the queen of the night". It originates from the Arabic and Muslim linguistic area and may be derived from the Arabic word lailā, which means "the night". Additionally, the Turkish word leylak hints at the color "lilac" or "purple". Other possible meanings include: "the dark-haired one", "perfect life", "the beautiful, the enchanting", "the wonderful", "the one born at night", and "the moon". The name became particularly well-known through the classic love story "Layla and Majnun", in which the male protagonist Qais suffers from his love for Layla. The Arabic original form Laila is also widely used, while variants like Leila (Arabic & English) and Leyla (Arabic & Turkish) are commonly found. Other forms include Leilah (English), Lajla, Laeila, Lejla (Slavic), and Layli (Persian).

Where does the name Layla come from?

The girl's name Layla has its roots in the Arabic-speaking world. It is derived from the word "layla", which means "the night". Another possible source is Turkish, where "leylak" means "lilac".

How do you pronounce Layla?

Layla is pronounced in two syllables and has a dynamic sound. It is usually pronounced as "Lay-la" [ˈlaɪla], starting with a diphthong that conveys a sense of movement. The open ending "-a" provides a bright finish. Layla feels modern and romantic at the same time – a name with clear contours and a vibrant aura.

When is the name day of Layla?

The name day for Layla is celebrated on January 1.

Popularity

In Germany, Layla is very popular and currently ranks 325th on the list of the most common female first names. Its best placement was in 2009, when it reached 154th place. Over the last ten years, Layla has been given as a first name about 2,300 times, placing it 275th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 274th. The global popularity is reflected in Layla's rankings in various countries.

Nicknames & pet names

Gaila / Laila / Lal / Lala / Lali / Lally / Lay / Layalo / Layl / Laylay / Layli / Layloo / Laylush / Layoula / Lila / Lill

Similar first names

Famous people

• Laila Rouass (British actress)
• Layla (character from the animated series "Winx Club")
• Layla Al-Akhyaliyya (poet)
• Layla Al-Attar (Iraqi artist)
• Layla Ali (American boxer, daughter of Muhammad Ali)
• Layla Anna-Lee (English actress)
• Layla Balabakki (writer from Lebanon)
• Layla Claire (Canadian opera singer)
• Layla Dawson (architect)
• Layla Demay (French writer)
• Layla El (English model, dancer & wrestler)
• Layla Farsad (character from Schloss Einstein)
• Layla Flaherty (model from Ireland)
• Layla Roberts (actress)
• Layla Sarahat Rushani (Afghan poet)
• Layla Timergazi (New Zealand chess player)
• Leyla Zana (Kurdish politician and human rights activist. Symbol of Kurdish women. Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995 and 1998.)