Lila

♀ Girl

Pronounced LY-luh /ˈlaɪ.lə/High

Meaning: Night; dark beauty; from Hebrew/Arabic laylah (night); also Sanskrit lila (divine play, sport of the gods)High

In 30 seconds: A name rich with layered meanings — 'night' in Hebrew and Arabic, and 'divine play' in Sanskrit. Its elegant simplicity has made it one of the most quietly fashionable girls' names of the 21st century.

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Origin HighHebrew, Arabic, Sanskrit

MeaningNight; dark beauty; from Hebrew/Arabic laylah (night); also Sanskrit lila (divine play, sport of the gods)

Peak year2010

Total births (all-time)≈ 65,119

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Lila has multiple possible origins. In the Hebrew/Arabic tradition it relates to the root laylah ('night'), linking it to names like Leila, Layla, and Lilah. In the Sanskrit tradition, lila means 'play' or the divine sport of the gods. Additionally, Lila may be related to the flower name Lilac. The convergence of these traditions gives the name unusual depth.

Lila has been in gentle use in the English-speaking world for over a century. It began climbing the U.S. charts in the 2000s and has risen steadily as parents gravitate toward short, soft two-syllable names with an international feel. It is now firmly in the top 200 U.S. girls' names.

Did you know? In Hindu philosophy, lila (also spelled leela) refers to the playful, spontaneous creativity of the gods — the idea that the universe itself is the divine sport of Brahman.

Variations

LilahLeilaLaylaLilac

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Lila Grace Moss (b. 2002)
British model and daughter of Kate Moss, who appeared on the cover of British Vogue at age 18.

If you like Lila…

Lilah— variant spelling of the same name

Leila— same night root with an Arabic/Persian spelling

Layla— most popular form of the same root

Luna— equally soft, luminous two-syllable girls' name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lila mean?

Lila has several origins: in Hebrew/Arabic it means 'night' (from laylah), and in Sanskrit it means 'divine play' (lila). It may also relate to the lilac flower.

How do you pronounce Lila?

Lila is pronounced LY-luh (/ˈlaɪ.lə/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Lila a boy or girl name?

Lila is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Lila?

Lila has been climbing steadily and is now a top-200 U.S. girls' name, popular for its soft elegance and international roots.