Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Leela
GirlSanskrit, Hindi· “play, divine play”
- Meaning
- play, divine play
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- LEE-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,282
- US babies 2025
- 175
- Best rank
- #1,088 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Leela
Leela is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “play, divine play”.
Leela comes from Sanskrit lila, meaning "play" or "amusement." In Hindu thought, lila describes divine play, the idea that the universe is the spontaneous, joyful creative activity of God rather than something made out of necessity. The word appears in the stories of Krishna, whose childhood pranks and adventures are called his lilas. As a name, Leela is used widely in India and among Indian families abroad. Its simple sound, LEE-luh, also fits easily into English, where it resembles Lila and Leila while having a separate origin. The name is light, cheerful and meaningful, and it suits parents who want something short with depth behind it.
Popularity over time
Leela first appears in US Social Security records in 1898. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,088 in 2013, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 232 were named Leela. In 2025, 175 babies were named Leela, and it ranked #1,282 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #5,396 in 1920, #4,076 in 1980, #3,246 in 2000, #1,608 in 2010, and #1,282 in 2025. Of the 4,545 US girls named Leela since records began, 45% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,091 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Shanaya, Adela, Karleigh, Adilyn, and Kinzley.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leela ranked highest in New Jersey, Colorado, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #811 | 9 |
| Colorado | #857 | 6 |
| California | #899 | 32 |
| Michigan | #916 | 8 |
| Minnesota | #930 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Leela is usually pronounced LEE-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Leela
A few middle names that flow with Leela: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leela
Similar names
Nila Girl
NEE-luh
“dark blue” · Sanskrit
#1,754
Neela Girl
NEE-luh
“dark blue” · Sanskrit
#3,332
Shaila Girl
SHY-luh
“of the mountain, rock” · Sanskrit
#5,211
Lila Girl
LY-luh
“play (Sanskrit); night (Arabic)” · Sanskrit
#187
Nala Girl
NAH-luh
“uncertain; also a hero of Indian epic” · Sanskrit
#856
Asha Girl
AH-shuh
“hope” · Sanskrit
#1,373
Aarya Girl
AHR-yuh
“noble” · Sanskrit
#1,258
Meera Girl
MEER-uh
“uncertain; possibly 'ocean' or 'boundary'” · Sanskrit
#1,020
Isha Girl
EE-shuh
“ruler, lord” · Sanskrit
#1,276
Aarna Girl
AR-nuh
Sanskrit
#1,540
Jaya Girl
JY-uh
“victory” · Sanskrit
#2,204
Tanvi Girl
TAHN-vee
“slender, delicate” · Sanskrit
#4,059
Lists that include Leela
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leela mean?
Leela is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “play, divine play”.
What is the origin of the name Leela?
Leela has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Leela comes from Sanskrit lila, meaning "play" or "amusement." In Hindu thought, lila describes divine play, the idea that the universe is the spontaneous, joyful creative activity of God rather than something made out of necessity.
Is Leela a popular name?
Not especially. Leela ranked #1,282 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Leela a boy or girl name?
Leela is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Leela?
Leela is usually pronounced LEE-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