Laila

♀ Girl

Pronounced LAY-lah /ˈleɪ.lə/High

Meaning: From Arabic layla meaning night; associated with the classic Arabic love poem Layla and Majnun; also related to Hebrew Leila meaning nightHigh

In 30 seconds: Laila is a luminous Arabic name meaning 'night,' wrapped in the most famous love story of the classical Arabic world — a name of dark beauty, passionate poetry, and timeless romantic longing.

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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew, Persian

MeaningFrom Arabic layla meaning night; associated with the classic Arabic love poem Layla and Majnun; also related to Hebrew Leila meaning night

U.S. rank (2025)#413 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births755 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2008

Total births (all-time)≈ 43,468

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Laila derives from Arabic layla meaning night. The legendary love story of Layla and Majnun, written by the poet Nizami Ganjavi in the 12th century, immortalized the name as a symbol of unattainable beauty.

Laila is widely used across the Arabic-speaking world, in Persian and Turkish cultures, and increasingly in Western countries. It is a spelling variant of Leila, Layla, and Lila.

Did you know? The 7th-century Arabic poem Layla and Majnun — a story of tragic love — influenced Romeo and Juliet and inspired poetry from Rumi to Eric Clapton's Layla, making this name a thread through world literature.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Laila — etymology and literary historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LeilaLaylaLilaLeyla

Nicknames

LaiLala

Famous Bearers

★Laila Ali (1977–present)
American boxer and daughter of Muhammad Ali; undefeated professional boxing champion.

If you like Laila…

Leila— alternate spelling of the same name, sharing identical meaning and cultural roots

Layla— the most popular spelling in the U.S., sharing the same origin and romantic resonance

Amira— shares the Arabic feminine elegance and similar warm two-syllable flow

Zara— fellow short Arabic-origin name with the same bright, modern cross-cultural appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Laila mean?

Laila means night in Arabic, associated with dark beauty and the classic love poem Layla and Majnun.

How do you pronounce Laila?

It is said LAY-lah /ˈleɪ.lə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Laila the same as Layla?

Laila and Layla are spelling variants of the same Arabic name; both are widely used in the United States.

Is Laila a popular name?

Laila and its variants are consistently popular in the U.S. and have been rising for two decades.