Girl · 236th of 30,306
Leila
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
54,237
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2010
Peak Popularity Year
1,509
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Leila stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Leila is of Arabic origin, meaning 'night'. The name has evolved through various forms in different languages and cultures. It is often associated with beauty and romantic themes. There is no significant biblical relevance. Leila gained popularity in the 19th century and remains a beloved name today, often viewed as elegant and charming. Notable people with this name include Leila Ali and Leila Lopes.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈleɪlə/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Leila is derived from the Arabic word 'layl', which means 'night'. It is often associated with beauty and darkness.
Meaning
night
Language Evolution
Layl (Arabic), Laila (Persian), Leila (Latinized form)
Historical Usage
Leila gained popularity in the 19th century and has been used in various cultures, often linked to romantic and poetic themes.
Variants & Derivatives
Laila, Layla, Leilah
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Leila is perceived as a beautiful and exotic name, often associated with grace and charm.
Famous People
Leila Ali, Leila Lopes, Leila Janah
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,509 peak births in 2010
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 22 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6464th of 6773 | 6 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 328th of 9107 | 6,957 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 456th of 9204 | 4,210 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 741st of 12526 | 3,304 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 858th of 19264 | 2,501 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 882nd of 27321 | 3,283 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 337th of 35406 | 14,969 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 236th of 30306 | 16,157 |