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Origin and meaning of the name Laila

What is the origin of the name Laila?

The name Laila is derived from Arabic origins. In Arabic, Laila means "night" or "beauty of the night." It's a popular name in the Middle East and has been used in various forms in other cultures as well. In English-speaking countries, it gained popularity due to the romantic poem "The Nightingale and the Rose" by British poet James Henry Leigh Hunt, where the character Lailah appears.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Laila

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Laila

Laila is a female given name of Arabic origin, derived from the name Layla which means "night" in Arabic. The name is rooted in pre-Islamic Arabian folklore, where Layla was a legendary character who appeared in many poems and songs, such as those in the classic collection "The Thousand and One Nights." In Islamic tradition, it is also associated with Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law Ali's daughter Laila. The name has been popularized globally by various literary works, including the 1958 novel "Layla and Majnun" by Nezami Ganjavi, as well as modern songs like "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos featuring Eric Clapton. Laila is a common name in Arabic-speaking countries and has been adopted in many other cultures due to its beautiful meaning and association with poetic and romantic literature.

Character traits associated with the name Laila

Laila, a name of Arabic origin, is often associated with individuals who embody qualities such as beauty, grace, and charm. People named Laila are typically known for their kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others. They possess strong communication skills, which allow them to connect easily with those around them. Lailas tend to be independent thinkers, valuing self-expression and creativity. They are often driven by a desire for knowledge and understanding, making them curious learners. In addition, they demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, showing determination and perseverance to achieve their goals. Overall, Lailas are admired for their strong sense of self, compassionate nature, and intellectual curiosity.

Popularity of the name Laila

Laila is a popular given name, particularly among Arabic-speaking communities due to its origin in Islamic tradition. The name is derived from the Arabic word "al-lail," which means night. In the Quran, Layla is the name of the beloved in the famous story of Majnun Layla. Laila has also become a widely used name outside of these communities, due to its beautiful sound and meaning. It is particularly popular in countries like the United States, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. In the US, it entered the top 1000 baby names list in 2004 and peaked at number 317 in 2015. The name's popularity can be attributed to its unique sound, association with Islamic culture, and its meaning representing beauty and mystery.

Famous people with the name Laila

Laila is a popular name, particularly among women of Middle Eastern and Arab origin. Notable individuals bearing this name include:

1. Laila Ali (born 1977), an American retired professional boxer, former television personality, and daughter of Muhammad Ali. She has also ventured into business, writing, and philanthropy.
2. Laila Rouass (born 1976), a British actress known for her roles in TV series such as "Spooks," "Holby City," and "Coronation Street."
3. Laila Biali (born 1975), a Canadian musician, pianist, and singer-songwriter who has collaborated with artists like Paula Cole and Chris Botti.
4. Laila Wasti (born 1982), a Swiss-Pakistani actress who gained fame in Pakistan for her work in television and film. She is also a model and social activist.
5. Laila El-Haddad (born 1976), an American food blogger, author, and activist of Palestinian descent, known for her writing on Palestine, gender, and identity.

These women have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, entertainment, music, and activism.

Variations of the name Laila

The name Laila, of Arabic origin, is a popular given name among various cultures. Variations of Laila include:

1. Leila: This is one of the most common variants and is used in many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It has the same meaning as Laila - night or beauty.
2. Layla: This variant is popular worldwide, especially in English-speaking countries. In Arabic, it means "night" like Laila.
3. Lilah: A Hebrew derivative of Laila, which means "night" or "nightingale." It's gaining popularity as a modern girl name.
4. Leyla: This is the Turkish and Azerbaijani variant of Laila. It also means night in these languages.
5. Laela: Another variation that is used, particularly in Israel, where it holds Hebrew origins and shares the meaning "night" or "nightingale."
6. Leylah: This spelling is less common but still found in some parts of the world. It maintains the original Arabic meaning of Laila - night or beauty.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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