Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lela
GirlEnglish
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- LEE-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,374
- US babies 2025
- 76
- Best rank
- #113 (1894)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Lela
Lela is usually linked to English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Lela is a name whose origin is uncertain. It may be a variant of Leila or Leela, a short form of Delilah or Magdalena, or an independent English coinage, and sources disagree. It has been used in the United States since at least the nineteenth century and carries a vintage, gentle charm. Lela is simple to spell and pronounce, with the stress on the first syllable. Lee and Lala are sweet nicknames.
Popularity over time
Lela has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 90 different years. Its best national rank was #113 in 1894, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 907 were named Lela. In 2025, 76 babies were named Lela, and it ranked #2,374 nationally. That is 48% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #218 in 1920, #494 in 1950, #1,477 in 1980, #1,538 in 2000, #1,542 in 2010, and #2,374 in 2025. Of the 43,005 US girls named Lela since records began, 18% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 7,007 babies. Since 2010, 2,038 more have been named Lela.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Addie, Jewell, Leola, Angeline, and Jewel.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lela ranked highest in Tennessee, Ohio, and Georgia.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lela is usually pronounced LEE-luh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-la”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lila, Leila, and Leala.
Middle names for Lela
A few middle names that flow with Lela: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lela
Similar names
Della Girl
DEH-luh
“short form of Adela; noble” · Germanic
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KAL-uh
“calla lily; beauty” · Greek
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Ella Girl
EH-luh
“other; also a short form” · Germanic
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Willa Girl
WIL-uh
“will, desire; protection” · English
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Louella Girl
loo-EL-uh
“blend of Lou and Ella” · English
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Lala Girl
LAH-lah
“pet form; uncertain” · English
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Lola Girl
LOH-luh
“short for Dolores, sorrows” · Spanish
#275
Paola Girl
pah-OH-luh
“small” · Italian
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Shayla Girl
SHAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
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Perla Girl
PUR-luh
“pearl” · Spanish
#1,590
Carla Girl
KAR-luh
“free man (via Charles)” · German
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Jewel Girl
JOO-uhl
“jewel, precious stone” · English
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Lists that include Lela
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lela mean?
Lela is usually linked to English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Lela?
Lela has English roots. Lela is a name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Lela a popular name?
Not especially. Lela ranked #2,374 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Lela a boy or girl name?
Lela is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lela?
Lela 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