A cross‑cultural name meaning night or divine play.
LILA is a graceful cross-cultural name often associated with night or divine play, evoking beauty, mystery, and lighthearted spirit. This page explores its meaning and symbolism along with background details such as origin, gender usage, popularity trends, and related names.
The name Lila carries a rich tapestry of meanings. In Persian, it means night or dark beauty, reflecting mystery and allure. In Sanskrit, it translates to playful or divine play, pointing to liveliness and grace. Often associated with beauty and elegance, Lila's name meanings are deeply rooted in cultures that prize mystical and playful qualities. These deep-rooted meanings make Lila both a unique and cherished name.
/ˈliː.lə/ - लीला
LEE-lah; the first syllable sounds like the word 'lee', and the second like 'la'.
The name Lila has a multifaceted origin, being embraced in different parts of the world. In Persia, the name signifies notions related to the night, while in India, from Sanskrit, it implies a divinely playful essence. This intricate blend of origins highlights Lila's versatility and cross-cultural appeal, making it resonate with a diverse array of languages and traditions.
The name Lila is predominantly used for females, but can also be a gender-neutral choice. In Western cultures like the United States and United Kingdom, it’s primarily assigned to girls. However, its use in multiple geographies means it can be chosen for boys, reflecting the fluidity of name-gender associations. Lila, for instance, can be found in famous personalities like Lila Downs, a Mexican singer, showcasing its diverse gender adoption.
The popularity of the name Lila has seen a significant rise in recent years. In the United States, it ranks high in baby name lists, often in the top 100. From the early 2000s, Lila experienced a resurgence, especially in France and Australia. Globally, its enchanting sound contributes to its favorability, making it a popular choice for parents seeking both historic depth and modern appeal.
Lila finds diverse usage across several cultures. In India, its association with playfulness from Sanskrit suits its traditional and cultural root. In Persian-speaking regions, its romantic and nocturnal meaning renders it popular. Furthermore, in Europe and North America, it's celebrated for its melodic touch, while in Latin America, variations like 'Leila' emerge. This adaptability ensures Lila's widespread appeal and use.
Usage and gender distribution of the name Lila across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.
Analysis regarding gender and name popularity is derived from Gender API.
A name popular in India, akin in sound to Lila, meaning divine play.
Often Arabic in origin, meaning night, similar to Lila’s Persian meaning.
A melodious name linked to musicality and harmony.
French variant meaning lilac, evoking floral imagery.
A Hawaiian name denoting generous one.
Often used in Arabic regions, meaning tenderness.
A cheerful name with the meaning of pearl.
An English name resembling a lily flower.
Inspired by Roman heritage, meaning olive.
Greek origin meaning from Lydia, a historical region.
Lileans often display a lively and spirited nature, resembling their namesake's Sanskrit meaning.
Those named Lila often carry an air of enigmatic grace.
A strong inclination towards artistic endeavors is evident among individuals with this name.
Known for their polished demeanor, reflecting the beauty that Lila connotes.
Lila's link to beauty often leads many to explore music, art, and design.
Their playful and engaging demeanor suits teaching roles well.
With an empathetic nature, careers in counseling or therapy appeal.
Their distinct vocal presence makes them shine in motivational roles.
Lila is a character explored in novels such as Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan series.
Songs by artists like Eric Clapton and Sarah Jarosz mention the name Lila.
Lila is a name associated with elegance, appearing in historical royal families.
Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Lila.
The name Lila means night or dark beauty in Persian, and playful or divine play in Sanskrit.
Lila has a Persian origin, symbolizing night, and a Sanskrit origin, meaning divine play.
Lila is predominantly a female name, though it can be gender-neutral.
Lila is a popular name, ranking high in baby name charts, particularly in the United States and France.
Lila is used globally, with significant popularity in Europe, North America, and parts of Latin America.
People named Lila often pursue careers in creative arts, education, and therapeutic professions.
Lila is associated with playfulness, creativity, mystery, and elegance.
Similar names to Lila include Leela, Leila, Lyra, Lilas, and Lilo.
Lila is pronounced as LEE-lah, with 'lee' as the first syllable and 'la' as the second.
Famous people named Lila include Mexican-American singer Lila Downs and silent film actress Lila Lee.