Layla: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Layla is a female name of Arabic origin, meaning "night" or "dark beauty". It has become one of the most beloved names in Western culture, popularized by a legendary love story and a famous rock song.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Arabic |
| Meaning | Night, dark beauty |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | LAY-lə |
Etymology of Layla
Layla derives from the Arabic name Laylā (ليلى), which comes from the root layl meaning "night". The name is often interpreted as meaning "night" or, more poetically, "dark beauty" or "born at night".
In Arabic literary tradition, the name carries connotations of beauty and mystery, as night was associated with romantic longing and poetic inspiration. The name may have originally referred to someone with dark hair or eyes, or someone born during nighttime hours.
The name entered English through multiple paths: medieval European contact with Arabic literature, particularly the famous love story of Layla and Majnun, and later through 20th-century Western fascination with Middle Eastern culture.
History of Layla
Origins and Early Use
The name Layla first gained prominence in 7th-century Arabia through the legendary romance of Qays ibn al-Mulawwah and Layla al-Aamiriya. This story, later immortalized by Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in the 12th century, became the Middle Eastern equivalent of Romeo and Juliet. The tale of Majnun ("madman") driven to insanity by his unrequited love for Layla spread throughout the Islamic world and into medieval Europe.
Rise to Popularity
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 7th century | Story of Layla and Majnun | Established as romantic ideal in Arabic literature |
| 1970 | Eric Clapton's "Layla" released | Introduced name to Western popular culture |
| 2000s-2010s | Celebrity usage, multicultural appeal | Rapid rise in US rankings from #407 to top 30 |
The name remained primarily within Arabic-speaking communities until Eric Clapton's 1970 rock ballad "Layla" brought it to Western consciousness. The song's passionate intensity matched the name's legendary romantic associations, making it familiar to English speakers worldwide.
Modern Usage
Layla has experienced remarkable growth in the United States since the 1990s. From being virtually unused before 1980 (first entering SSA rankings at #1085 in the 1980s), it surged to peak at #23 in 2019. The name appeals to parents seeking a name that is simultaneously exotic and accessible, with a clear pronunciation and beautiful meaning.
The name's multicultural appeal has been key to its success: it works across different communities while retaining its distinctive character. Its rise reflects broader trends toward names with international flavor and poetic meanings.
Key insight: Layla rose because of its combination of romantic literary heritage, musical popularization, and cross-cultural accessibility. It appeals to parents seeking names with depth of meaning rather than purely trendy sounds.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Layla when they want to convey beauty, romance, and cultural richness, especially in contexts involving artistic expression, literary appreciation, or multicultural identity.
Variants of Layla
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Layla, Laila, Leila, Leyla | Multiple spellings, same pronunciation |
| Arabic | Laylā (ليلى) | Original form |
| Hebrew | Lyla, Lilah | Related through Semitic roots |
| French | Leïla | French spelling convention |
| Turkish | Leyla | Turkish variant |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Lay, Lala, Lee
Similar Names
- Leila - Alternative spelling, same origin
- Delilah - Hebrew name meaning "delicate", similar sound
- Lila - Shortened form, also means "night" in Arabic
Layla Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | - | - |
| 1920s | - | - |
| 1940s | - | - |
| 1960s | - | - |
| 1980s | #1085 | 130 |
| 2000s | #407 | 698 |
| 2020s | #24 | 6,221 |
| 2024s | #37 | 5,305 |
Peak: 2019, ranked #23 (6,518 births)
Current (2024): #37 (5,305 births)
Trend analysis: Layla's meteoric rise from obscurity to the top 40 reflects the cultural shift toward names with international origins and poetic meanings. The slight decline from its 2019 peak suggests it may be stabilizing at a consistently popular level rather than becoming overused.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Layla as a Username
Availability
"layla" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | layla | Professional |
| With numbers | layla99 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | lay | Social media |
| Stylized | xlayla, laylax | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Layla as an ID tends to project:
- Artistic sensibility - because of its association with Clapton's famous song and romantic poetry
- Feminine elegance - because of its soft sounds and "night beauty" meaning
- Cultural awareness - because of its recognizable Arabic heritage
Best for: Creative platforms, artistic portfolios, music-related accounts
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames.
Is Layla good for a username?
Layla works well as a username if you value artistic expression, romantic aesthetics, or cultural depth. However, due to its high popularity, you may need variations like lay99, xlayla, or layla_night to secure availability on popular platforms.
FAQ
What does Layla mean?
Layla means "night" or "dark beauty" from Arabic.
Is Layla popular?
According to SSA data, Layla ranks #37 in the US (2024). It is slightly declining from a 2019 peak but remains consistently popular.
What are nicknames for Layla?
Common nicknames: Lay, Lala, Lee.
Is Layla a boy's or girl's name?
Layla is traditionally a female name. It has remained predominantly feminine in modern Western usage.
How do you pronounce Layla?
Layla is pronounced LAY-lə (LAY-luh). Some variations like Leila may be pronounced LAY-lə or LEE-lə.
Is Layla good for a username?
Layla works well as a username if you value artistic or romantic associations, though availability may require variation like xlayla or lay99.
Related Names
- Leila - Alternative spelling, same origin and meaning
- Lila - Shorter form, also means "night" in Arabic, often preferred for digital IDs
- Delilah - Similar sound with biblical origins
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026