Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Layla
GirlArabic· “night”
- Meaning
- night
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- LAY-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #36
- US babies 2025
- 5,338
- Best rank
- #23 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Layla
Layla is an Arabic name that means “night”.
Layla comes from the Arabic layl, "night", and it is often understood to suggest the dark beauty of evening. The name is famous from the old Arabic love story of Layla and Majnun, in which the poet Qays becomes so consumed by love for Layla that he is called Majnun, "madman". The Persian poet Nizami retold the tale in the twelfth century, and it spread across the Islamic world. Eric Clapton's song "Layla", inspired by the story, brought the name to Western audiences. The name sounds melodic and soft, and Leila and Leilah are related spellings.
Popularity over time
Layla first appears in US Social Security records in 1950. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 39 different years, starting in 1972. Its best national rank was #23 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 6,523 babies. In 2025, 5,338 babies were named Layla, and it ranked #36 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,542 in 1950, #1,085 in 1980, #407 in 2000, #36 in 2010, and #36 in 2025. Of the 129,136 US girls named Layla since records began, 49% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 35,046 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Penelope, Aria, Stella, Gianna, and Camila.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Layla ranked highest in Delaware, New Mexico, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #10 | 26 |
| New Mexico | #19 | 36 |
| Connecticut | #21 | 77 |
| New Jersey | #23 | 186 |
| Maine | #23 | 26 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Layla is usually pronounced LAY-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Layla
A few middle names that flow with Layla: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Layla
Similar names
Laila Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#413
Leila Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Arabic
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Stella Girl
STEL-uh
“star” · Latin
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Lyla Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
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Lila Girl
LY-luh
“play (Sanskrit); night (Arabic)” · Sanskrit
#187
Nyla Girl
NY-luh
“uncertain; possibly one who succeeds” · American (modern coinage)
#236
Leyla Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Turkish
#611
Nahla Girl
NAH-luh
“a drink of water” · Arabic
#2,850
Naila Girl
NY-luh
“one who attains” · Arabic
#1,728
Hala Girl
HAH-luh
“halo around the moon” · Arabic
#2,941
Isabella Girl
ih-zuh-BEH-luh
“God is my oath” · Spanish
#7
Ella Girl
EH-luh
“other; also a short form” · Germanic
#29
Lists that include Layla
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Layla mean?
Layla is an Arabic name that means “night”.
What is the origin of the name Layla?
Layla has Arabic roots. Layla comes from the Arabic layl, "night", and it is often understood to suggest the dark beauty of evening.
Is Layla a popular name?
Yes. Layla ranked #36 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Layla a boy or girl name?
Layla is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Layla?
Layla is usually pronounced LAY-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings