Layla
Girl Name Arabic origin
Origin
Arabic
Syllables
2
First Letter
L
Popularity
74/100

Meaning of Layla

Night, dark beauty, intoxicating

Origin: Arabic

About the Name Layla

With its two clean syllables, Layla is a feminine name of Arabic origin, reflecting the Islamic naming tradition that places profound importance on meaning, virtue, and the names of prophets, companions, and divine attributes, meaning "Night", and a well-established name worldwide - familiar to teachers, grandparents, and peers without feeling overused. In Islamic tradition, "Night" holds a significance that goes beyond a label - the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged parents to give children beautiful, meaningful names, as a name is considered a dua (prayer) that accompanies the child through life.

The practical question of how Layla flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name is well-recognised across the wider Muslim world, giving it both local roots and global familiarity. Parents who choose Layla tend to value a name that is immediately understood, easy to spell, and warm in sound.

Sound & Flow

Layla is a 2-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Layla Tan, Layla Lee, or Layla Ng.

Pronunciation varies by community.

Cultural Context

Common in Malay-Muslim communities. Carries Islamic significance and is widely understood across the region.

Name Style & Tags

Popularity Through History

See all-time rankings →

Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.

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#25
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#23
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Bar height = popularity rank (taller = higher rank) Hover for exact rank by year

Name Facts & Trivia

Name length
5 letters
Medium length - A comfortable balance for everyday use.
Syllable pattern
2 syllables
Two-syllable names are the most popular pattern across cultures.
First letter
L
Browse more names starting with L
Gender
Girl
A traditionally girl name across most cultures.

Famous People Named Layla

Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.

This name is shared by prominent figures across the Muslim world, from political leaders to athletes and artists.

Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Night, dark beauty, intoxicating Its Arabic roots give it a timeless quality that resonates across generations.
Layla has a popularity score of 74/100. It is a well-known and widely chosen name — familiar but not overly common.
Layla is traditionally a girl name with Arabic origins. It has been used consistently for girls across different cultures and generations.
Test the name across all languages your family speaks to ensure it sounds natural. If you come from a multilingual household, say it in each language you use at home before deciding.
The best middle names for Layla depend on your surname and cultural background. Layla is versatile — it works with both short and longer middle names. Use our name generator to explore combinations.
Natural nicknames for Layla often emerge from how family members start using it. At 2 syllables, there are natural places to shorten it. Try different variations until one feels right for your family.

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