What is Layla? Meaning of the name Layla

Layla comes from the Old Semitic word layl, meaning “night”. In some interpretations of the Talmud, the Jewish holy book, Lailah is the name of an angel. Layla is of Hebrew and Arabic origin and is spelled alternately Leila, Leyla, Leylah, Lailah, Laila or Laylah. With two nearly repeated syllables (pronounced lay-lah), the name sounds pleasant and evokes a sense of peace.

Besides, Layla is a character in Game Genshin Impact loved by many. Layla is a student of Rtawahist Darshan, specializing in Theoretical Astrology. As a result, suffering from chronic insomnia and poor health, Layla credits “The Stars’ Blessing” as the reason she woke up from a sleepwalk to find her homework completed.

What is Layla?

The name is also a romantic choice. Layla became more widely known in the United States after Clapton’s song was broadcast in the early 1970s. He wrote the ballad for model and photographer Pattie Boyd, who later became his wife.

Clapton’s use of the name Layla was inspired by the Arabic poem Layla and Majnun. The 7th century poem tells the story of poet Qays and his love Layla, who as a young lover was separated by Layla’s father. As Layla and Qays grew up, his love for Layla turned into an obsession that earned him the title Majnun, which means “obsessed” and “crazy”. The lovers never reconnect, and die apart. Despite the dark tone of the story, the poem has survived the centuries for its tragic romance, and the name Layla has acquired a timeless appeal.

The name Layla started gaining popularity in the US around 2000, perhaps aided by the name’s resemblance to Kayla. As of 2020, Layla ranks 24th on the list of top baby girl names reported by the Social Security Administration.

In BabyCenter’s ranking of baby names (using data collected from BabyCenter’s hundreds of thousands of parents), Layla has been in the top 20 for several years. It has been steadily increasing since 2016, when it was at number 30 on the list. Most names are for girls.

Laila Ali, professional boxer and daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, is a notable bearer of this name. So is Princess Leila Pahlavi of Iran.

The use of the name Layla in the Americas and Europe has increased dramatically in recent years, and with its endearing connotations and romantic origin story, the name is sure to be a favorite for years to come.