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Origin and meaning of the name Leela

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What is the origin of the name Leela?

The name Leela has roots in several languages and cultures, but its most notable origin is from Sanskrit, a language spoken in India. In Sanskrit, "Leela" means "play", "divine descent" or "pastime". It's also a popular name among some Baha'i communities, where it has no particular meaning but is given as a personal choice. The name gained widespread recognition through the character Leela from the science fiction series "Red Dwarf".
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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Leela

The name Leela is of Sanskrit origin, derived from the word "Rīṣi-Līlā" which means "Divine Play" or "Divine Dance". In Hinduism and Buddhism, this term refers to the concept that deities and enlightened beings engage in creative activities for the benefit and evolution of the universe. The name Leela gained popularity outside of its Indian origins through the television show "Futurama", where it was given to one of the main characters. As a first name, Leela is used among various cultures and communities, and is often appreciated for its meaning which emphasizes playfulness, creativity, and spiritual growth.

Character traits associated with the name Leela

The name Leela is often associated with individuals who possess qualities of adaptability, curiosity, and resilience. This name's Sanskrit origins suggest one who reads the signs or omens of the universe, reflecting Leelas natural intuition and perceptiveness. Leelas are known for their strong sense of empathy and compassion, making them excellent listeners and nurturers. They possess a keen intellect, always eager to learn and explore new ideas, which often leads them to careers in education or social work. Leelas are also highly adaptable, able to navigate through change with grace and resilience, and this flexibility allows them to thrive in various environments. Their natural charisma and wit make them popular and well-liked among friends and colleagues alike.

Popularity of the name Leela

The name Leela, originating from Sanskrit and having various meanings such as "play" or "past events," has gained varying levels of popularity across different regions and time periods. In American naming trends, Leela is considered a less common yet distinctive choice, ranking outside the top 1000 baby names in the United States from 2010 to 2020, according to the Social Security Administration's data. However, it has witnessed occasional spikes in popularity; for instance, in 1985, it ranked at number 673, reflecting its association with the popular science fiction television series "Futurama." In contrast, Leela is more prevalent in India, where it is considered a traditional and well-liked name due to its spiritual connotations.

Famous people with the name Leela

Leela, a name of Indian origin meaning "one who reads the fate of others," has been borne by several noteworthy individuals across various fields. In the realm of comedy, Leela Gilday is a celebrated Inuit songwriter and actress from Canada, while in animation, Leela Citron, voiced by Kate Winslet, is the central character in the popular series "Futurama." In music, Leela James, an American R&B singer-songwriter, has gained recognition for her powerful vocals. Furthermore, Leela Shalev, a well-known Israeli author and poet, has made significant contributions to Israeli literature. Lastly, Leela Fernandes, a Brazilian footballer, has played professionally in Europe and is recognized as one of the most skilled players in women's football. These individuals embody the versatility and strength associated with the name Leela.

Variations of the name Leela

The name Leela has roots in multiple cultures and can be found with various spellings and pronunciations. One form is Lee-la, which is common in English-speaking countries and features the traditional spelling with a separate pronunciation for each syllable (Lee-el-a). Another popular version is Leela, pronounced as one syllable (Leela), often seen among those of Indian or Sikh descent. A less common variant is Leelah, which can be found in some cultures and is typically pronounced the same way as Leela (Lee-la or Leelah). Additionally, the name may also appear as Laylah, especially in Arabic communities, with a similar pronunciation to Leela (Lay-lah). These variations showcase the versatility and cultural richness of the name Leela.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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.

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