Leylah Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: LAY-lah //ˈleɪ.lə//
Origin: Arabic; Turkish; English
Meaning: night; dark beauty; derived from 'Layla'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Leylah has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "layl," which means "night." This etymology reflects a rich linguistic heritage, as the term has been used in various contexts throughout history to evoke the beauty and mystery associated with the night. The name has been transliterated into different forms across cultures, including "Leila" and "Laila," which are also prevalent in Persian and Urdu, where it carries similar meanings.
The transition of the name into English-speaking contexts likely occurred through literary works and translations that incorporated Arabic culture, particularly during the medieval period when interest in Eastern literature grew in Europe. Historically, the name Leylah has been associated with significant literary and cultural figures.
One of the most notable references is in the Persian epic poem "Khosrow and Shirin," written by the poet Nezami in the 12th century, which tells the story of Khosrow's love for Shirin, a character often linked with the name Leylah. Additionally, the name appears in various Arabic literature and folklore, where it is often associated with themes of love and beauty, further solidifying its cultural resonance.
The name has also been linked to Islamic traditions, where the night is often seen as a time of reflection and spirituality. Culturally, Leylah embodies a sense of elegance and mystique, often symbolizing the beauty of the night sky.
Its associations with love stories and poetic imagery have contributed to its enduring appeal across different cultures. The name's variations, such as Leila and Laila, have also been embraced in various literary and artistic expressions, reinforcing its significance in cultural narratives.
Overall, Leylah represents a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural history, reflecting the universal themes of beauty and love that transcend time and geography.
Famous people named Leylah
In this section, you will find notable people named Leylah. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Leylah who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Leylah who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Leylah Fernandez is a professional tennis player best known for reaching the final of the 2021 US Open and winning the 2020 French Open girls' singles title.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Leylah, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Leylah was first seen in the United States in 2000.
Leylah has ranked as high as #4829 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
In the past 5 years the name Leylah has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Leylah is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Leylah was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Leylah.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 48 | 48 |
| 2024 | 43 | 43 |
| 2023 | 63 | 63 |
| 2022 | 63 | 63 |
| 2021 | 52 | 52 |
| 2020 | 42 | 42 |
| 2019 | 43 | 43 |
| 2018 | 49 | 49 |
| 2017 | 58 | 58 |
| 2016 | 62 | 62 |
| 2015 | 55 | 55 |
| 2014 | 58 | 58 |
| 2013 | 52 | 52 |
| 2012 | 41 | 41 |
| 2011 | 38 | 38 |
| 2010 | 45 | 45 |
| 2009 | 46 | 46 |
| 2008 | 31 | 31 |
| 2007 | 24 | 24 |
| 2006 | 21 | 21 |
| 2005 | 18 | 18 |
| 2004 | 11 | 11 |
| 2003 | 17 | 17 |
| 2002 | 10 | 10 |
| 2001 | 7 | 7 |
| 2000 | 8 | 8 |
Top States for Leylah (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 13 | |
| CA | 5 |