Find out how popular the first name Laela has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Laela by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Laela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 36 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Laela.

The history of the first name Laela

The name Laela is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "layl," which means "night." It is a feminine name that has been used for centuries in various parts of the Middle East and North Africa.

In its earliest recorded use, the name Laela was found in ancient Arabic poetry and literature, often used as a metaphor for beauty and grace. It was also associated with the moon, as the Arabic word "layl" refers to the night when the moon is visible.

One of the earliest known references to the name Laela can be found in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. In the Qur'an, there is a verse that mentions the word "layl" in the context of praising the Creator for the beauty of the night.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Laela. One of the earliest recorded was Laela bint Abi Dharr al-Ghifari (born around 610 CE), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and a renowned scholar of Islamic jurisprudence.

In the 12th century, Laela al-Akhyaliya (1162-1242) was a famous poet and musician from Andalusia, Spain, renowned for her contributions to the Arabic literary tradition.

During the Ottoman Empire, Laela Khanum (1802-1865) was a prominent Turkish poet and calligrapher, known for her beautiful handwriting and her poetic works that celebrated love and nature.

In the modern era, Laela Khalifeh (1925-2008) was a renowned Palestinian artist and ceramist, celebrated for her intricate pottery designs and her efforts to preserve traditional Palestinian art forms.

Another notable figure was Laela Baksh (1945-2014), a Pakistani politician and activist who played a significant role in advocating for women's rights and social justice in her country.

The name Laela has transcended its Arabic roots and has been adopted by various cultures around the world, reflecting its timeless beauty and rich historical significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Laela was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Laela, please contact us.

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