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Leela Girl

Popularity: #765 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationLEE-lah / ˈliːlə

Sanskrit; Arabic

Meaning

Sanskrit: 'play'; Arabic: 'night'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Leela has its roots in the Sanskrit word "līlā," which translates to "play" or "divine play." This term is often associated with the concept of the divine playfulness of gods, particularly in Hindu philosophy, where it signifies the creative and playful aspects of the divine. The name has been adopted into various languages and cultures, often retaining its original meaning or connotation of playfulness and creativity.

Historically, the name Leela has been linked to various figures in Hindu mythology and literature. In the context of Hindu texts, the concept of līlā is frequently associated with the exploits of deities such as Krishna, who is known for his playful and mischievous nature. The use of the name can be traced back to ancient Indian texts, where it embodies the idea of life as a playful and joyous experience. Over the centuries, the name has appeared in various forms of literature and art, reflecting its deep cultural significance.

In addition to its mythological roots, the name Leela has been embraced in various cultural contexts, often symbolizing joy, creativity, and the celebration of life. Its association with divine play has made it a favored choice among those who appreciate its spiritual and artistic connotations. The name has also been used in various adaptations and translations of stories and folklore, further embedding it into the cultural fabric of societies influenced by Hinduism. The diminutive form "Leela" is often used affectionately, highlighting its endearing qualities.

Trend Summary

Leela has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Lila
  • Leela
  • Lilah

International Variants

  • Lila (Spanish)
  • Leila (Arabic)
  • Laila (Arabic)
  • Léa (French)

Famous people named Leela

Leela James is a singer best known for A Change Is Gonna Come, My Soul, and Did It For Love.

Leela Chandragiri is a dancer and choreographer best known for her work in Indian classical dance and performances worldwide.

Fictional characters named Leela

Leela is a fictional character from the animated television series Futurama. She is the one-eyed captain of the Planet Express ship and a skilled delivery pilot.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Leela was first seen in the United States in 1898. Leela has ranked as high as #1191 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Leela has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Leela (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 27
20%
IL 14
11%
NY 14
11%
TX 11
8%
PA 10
8%
OH 8
6%
TN 8
6%
MD 8
6%
GA 7
5%
MA 7
5%
NJ 7
5%
WA 6
5%
MN 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18985
19185
19205
19415
19425
19476
19525
19535
19547
19627
19637
19646
19659
196610
19698
19706
197110
19729
19737
197413
19758
197614
197713
197814
197915
198019
198112
19828
198320
198423
198515
198617
198721
198814
19899
199025
199117
199219
199315
199423
199516
199616
199717
199818
199928
200042
200139
200246
200369
200470
200574
2006123
2007126
2008134
2009141
2010134
2011201
2012209
2013227
2014218
2015207
2016232
2017217
2018196
2019192
2020194
2021179
2022179
2023179
2024185