Laila

Laila means night and evokes dark, poetic beauty.

Laila - Discover the Origins, Usage, and Famous Bearers

LAILA is a name of Arabic origin commonly understood to mean “night,” often symbolizing dark, poetic beauty and mystery. This page explores its meaning and cultural background as well as usage by gender, popularity over time, and names with similar roots.

Gender Female
Origin Arabic
Meaning Night, beauty
Popularity Common

Unveiling the Meaning of Laila

The name Laila is imbued with the profound meaning of 'night' or 'dark beauty'. It is often associated with enchanting allure and mysterious elegance. With roots in poetic and literary traditions, Laila can represent the mystical essence of the nighttime, invoking the tranquil beauty and dreams that come alive under the moon.

Pronouncing ليلى in Arabic

/ˈlaɪ.lə/ - ليلى

Pronounce 'Laila' as 'LAY-lah' in Arabic, where the first syllable rhymes with the word 'day' and the second syllable sounds like 'la' in 'lava'.

Exploring Laila's Rich Origins

The name Laila has origins deeply rooted in Arabic culture, where it is affectionately used in poetry and music to symbolize elegance and beauty. It appears prominently in both classical and contemporary works, highlighting its timeless appeal and cherished place within cultural narratives across the Middle East.

Gender Identity of the Name Laila

While Laila is predominantly a female name, it does feature a gender-neutral charm in different regions. In countries like the United States, it serves as a popular choice for girls, while in some Nordic nations, it can also be found among males, showcasing its versatile appeal.

Popularity Trends of Laila Over the Years

Laila has maintained its allure and charm on baby name charts worldwide. In North America, it ranks among the top 100 names for girls, often rising in popularity with its poetic associations. European countries like France and Germany also favor Laila, reflecting its cultural resonance.

Global Perceptions and Pronunciations of Laila

In different regions, Laila is cherished for its melodic sound and beautiful connotations. In Latin America, the name carries a romantic flair, while in Scandinavia, it is pronounced with a distinct local twang, embodying cultural diversity and universal appeal.

Global Distribution & Gender Ratio

Usage and gender distribution of the name Laila across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.

Brazil 29.37%
♀ Female: 98.59% ♂ Male: 1.41%
Indonesia 15.34%
♀ Female: 98.53% ♂ Male: 1.47%
Malaysia 9.89%
♀ Female: 100% ♂ Male: 0%
United States 7.56%
♀ Female: 100% ♂ Male: 0%
Saudi Arabia 7.11%
♀ Female: 97.88% ♂ Male: 2.12%

Gender and popularity insights by country are derived from Gender API.

Similar Names Related with the Name Laila

  1. L

    Lailah

    Often spelled Lailah in Hebrew contexts, also means night, echoing its Arabic counterpart's charm.

  2. L

    Lela

    This name shares the graceful appeal and nighttime beauty associated with Laila.

  3. L

    Lyla

    A phonetically similar name meaning night, popular in English-speaking cultures.

  4. L

    Leia

    Often linked to heavenly beauty, this name shares the sonic aspects with Laila.

  5. L

    Laleh

    In Persian, often signifies a flower or tulip, retaining the poetic imagery of Laila.

  6. A

    Alaila

    A unique blend combining night-time mysticism and lyrical beauty.

  7. L

    Lailie

    A diminutive form suggesting an endearing kindred spirit to Laila.

Personality Traits Associated with Laila

Alluring

Individuals named Laila often possess a captivating charm.

Creative

They are drawn to artistic pursuits and imaginative endeavors.

Intuitive

Known for their strong instincts and perceptiveness.

Empathetic

They exhibit an understanding nature and compassion for others.

Independent

Laila is frequently self-reliant and self-assured in her endeavors.

Career Paths Common Among Bearers of the Name Laila

Arts and Entertainment

Individuals named Laila often flourish in creative fields like music, dance, and painting.

Healthcare

A keen empathy makes them excellent caregivers or medical professionals.

Entrepreneurship

They show a penchant for innovative ideas and business acumen.

Teaching

Possessing a passion for knowledge, they excel in educational settings.

Social Work

Driven by a desire to help others, they may find fulfillment in social advocacy.

Intriguing Facts About the Name Laila

  1. Literary Symbolism

    Laila features prominently in Arabic and Persian novels and poems, often symbolizing unrequited love.

  2. Cultural Celebrations

    Festivals in the Middle East often mention Laila as a representation of beauty.

  3. Iconic Songs

    Many songs bearing the name celebrate its romantic allure.

  4. Film Appearances

    The name is commonly used in international films as a metaphor for elegance and mystery.

  5. Famous Princess

    In history, several princesses in the Middle East have borne the name.

Notable Figures Bearing the Name Laila

  • Laila Ali: Renowned boxer and television personality
  • Laila Mourad: Celebrated Egyptian actress and singer
  • Laila Robins: Acclaimed American actress
  • Laila Freivalds: Notable Swedish politician and former Minister for Foreign Affairs
  • Laila Rouass: British actress known for her role in the television series 'Footballers' Wives'

Frequently Asked Questions About the Name Laila

Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Laila.

What does the name Laila mean?

Laila signifies 'night' or 'dark beauty', evoking a sense of mystery and allure.

Where does the name Laila originate?

Laila hails from Arabic origins, prominently featured in poetry across Middle Eastern cultures.

Is Laila a unisex name?

Primarily female, but does exhibit gender-neutral characteristics in certain cultures.

How popular is the name Laila?

Laila is significantly popular, ranking in the top names for girls in the US and Europe.

How is the name Laila used globally?

Used widely with different pronunciations, often valued for its melodic sound and cultural roots.

What professions do people named Laila often pursue?

Commonly seen in artistic, healthcare, and entrepreneurial fields, reflecting their creative and caring nature.

What are the personality traits associated with Laila?

Laila is often seen as alluring, intuitive, creative, empathetic, and independent.

What are similar names to Laila?

Names like Layla, Leila, and Lela offer similar phonetics and meanings, often associated with night and beauty.

How is Laila pronounced?

Pronounced 'LAY-lah' in English, 'ليلى' in Arabic, with emphasis on the first syllable.