Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Leyla is an Arabic name meaning 'night', with roots in the word 'lailah'. The name has evolved through various languages, including Persian and English, and is often associated with beauty. It has no biblical relevance and gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries. Leyla is seen as a modern and elegant name, with notable bearers contributing to its positive image.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈleɪlə/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Leyla is derived from the Arabic word 'lailah', which means 'night'. It is associated with beauty and darkness.
Meaning
night
Language Evolution
Lailah (Arabic), Leila (Persian), Layla (English)
Historical Usage
The name Leyla gained popularity in the Western world during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly due to literary references and its use in poetry.
Variants & Derivatives
Leila, Layla, Laila
Modern Popularity & Image
Leyla is perceived as a modern and elegant name, often associated with beauty and grace.
Famous People
Leyla Aliyeva (Azerbaijani public figure), Leyla Gencer (Turkish opera singer)
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 503 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 36 US states, with strongest presence in Arizona
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7019th of 12526 | 50 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2784th of 19264 | 421 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3307th of 27321 | 493 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1036th of 35406 | 3,720 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 657th of 30306 | 5,393 |
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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
66.15% 2304th/3483 |
79.76% 2806th/3518 |
50.59% 2046th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
51.46% 2303rd/4475 |
59.03% 3066th/5194 |
41.71% 2635th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
30.55% 1400th/4582 |
15.84% 818th/5164 |
14.10% 1031st/7313 |
12.50% 933rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
24.65% 982nd/3984 |
11.75% 527th/4487 |
9.89% 675th/6822 |
8.76% 550th/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 Arizona across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too 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, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7019th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2784th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3307th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1036th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 657th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.