Lila

Lila is a female first name that has various origins and meanings. It is primarily regarded as an English name but also as an Algerian variant of the Arabic names Leila and Leyla.

What does the name Lila mean?

The name Lila has several origins and meanings. In its most common form, it comes from the Arabic names Leila and Leyla, which literally mean "the night." More freely interpreted, one could also say "the beauty of the night." The Arabic origin is the word lailā (لَيْلَى) or layla (لَيْلَة). Additionally, the name has Indian roots, where it means "the cosmic play" or "the playful game," derived from the Sanskrit word līlā (लीला) for "play" and "pleasure." In this context, the variant Leela is also found. In Kenya and Tanzania, Lila is translated as "the good," derived from the Swahili word lila, which means "good." There may also be a connection to the French word lilac, which emerged during the Crusades from the Arabic līlak (لِيلَك) for "the lilac." Therefore, the meaning "the lilac" or "violet" could also be assumed. Sometimes, Lila is used as a short form for Delila or as a variation of Lilli and Lillith. In Swedish and Norwegian, the name means "little," leading to the interpretation "the little one." The color lilac represents spirituality as well as mental and emotional strength. The name became famous through the character of the old Arabic tale "Laila and Majnun," which is considered the counterpart to "Romeo and Juliet" in the Arab world. Other variants of the name include Laila, Layla, Lailah, Leilah, Laylah, Elayla, Lejla, Layli, Elaila, Lyla, Lylah, Lilah, Elila, Lela, and Lelah.

Where does the name Lila come from?

The name Lila has both Arabic and Sanskrit origins and has the meanings "the night" or "the play." The Arabic terms lailā (لَيْلَى) or layla (لَيْلَة) mean "the night," while the Sanskrit word līlā (लीला) stands for "the play" or "pleasure." In Swahili, lila means "good," and the Arabic līlak (لِيلَك) refers to "the lilac." The name is used in several languages, including Arabic, English, Finnish, Hebrew, Hindi, Swedish, and Swahili.

How do you pronounce Lila?

The pronunciation of Lila is soft and two-syllable. In the German language, the name is usually pronounced as "Li-la" [ˈliːla], with the first part starting with a long I sound that conveys a bright and friendly note. The second syllable sounds open and warm. Due to its simple structure, Lila appears feminine and timeless, harmonious and modern.

When is the name day of Lila?

The name day for Lila is celebrated on August 18 and November 15.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Lila enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 685th on the list of the most common female first names. Its best placement was in 2016, reaching 622nd place. In the last ten years, the name has been given about 550 times, which places it 790th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, Lila ranks 837th.

Nicknames & pet names

Lala / Li / Lia / Lil / Lilly / Lilo

Famous people

• Dolores Lila Silverstein (American actress)
• Lila Azam Zanganeh (Iranian writer)
• Lila Bell Wallace (publisher from Canada)
• Lila Bita (writer from the USA)
• Lila Chester (actress from the USA)
• Lila Deneken (actress from Mexico)
• Lila Downs (musician, singer from Mexico)
• Lila Dulali (actress from India)
• Lila Finn (American actress)
• Lila Grace Moss Hacker (daughter of Kate Moss)
• Lila Katzen (American sculptor)
• Lila Kaye (British actress)
• Lila Konomara (writer from Greece)
• Lila Lalauni (musician from Greece)
• Lila Lee (silent film actress, friend of Charlie Chaplin)
• Lila Leeds (actress from the USA)
• Lila Lorenz (film character from "Groupies Don't Stay for Breakfast")
• Lila M. Gierasch (American biochemist)
• Lila Marangou (archaeologist from Greece)
• Lila McCann (American musician)