Meaning, origin, history
Leila is a feminine given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the male name Layla, which means "night" in Arabic. The name Leila itself does not have a specific meaning, but it is often associated with the night and darkness due to its origin.
The name Leila gained popularity through the famous Arabian love story "Layla and Majnun," written by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. In this tale, Layla is the beautiful maiden who is in love with Majnun, a poet who has gone mad with his love for her. The story has been widely popularized throughout the Middle East and beyond, contributing to the popularity of the name Leila.
Today, Leila is recognized as a global name, carried by women from various cultural backgrounds. It remains a popular choice among parents in countries such as Egypt, Syria, Iran, and the United States. Despite its Arabic roots, Leila has also been adopted by other cultures, including those in Africa, Europe, and South America.
In summary, Leila is a feminine given name of Arabic origin that means "night." Its popularity can be attributed to the classic love story of Layla and Majnun. Nowadays, Leila is widely recognized as an international name, beloved by parents across different cultures.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Leila since 1880
Total births
11
Total since 1880
Peak year
1941
6 births
in 2017
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
↘
vs previous 5 years