Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (22 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 22 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
23.31% 330th/1416 |
27.77% 383rd/1379 |
13.06% 309th/2366 |
34.59% 395th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
28.20% 436th/1546 |
26.86% 418th/1556 |
18.83% 443rd/2353 |
30.70% 475th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
38.12% 849th/2227 |
29.42% 715th/2430 |
24.50% 699th/2853 |
25.77% 715th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
38.00% 1116th/2937 |
22.19% 773rd/3483 |
28.94% 1018th/3518 |
18.30% 740th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
30.83% 1136th/3685 |
17.18% 769th/4475 |
18.27% 949th/5194 |
12.76% 806th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
9.45% 433rd/4582 |
5.58% 288th/5164 |
5.25% 384th/7313 |
3.74% 279th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
8.58% 342nd/3984 |
4.39% 197th/4487 |
3.96% 270th/6822 |
2.53% 159th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6464th out of 6773 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 328th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 456th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 741st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 858th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 882nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 337th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 236th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
