Find out how popular the first name Laily has been for the last 25 years (from 2000 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Laily by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Laily is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Laily.

The history of the first name Laily

The name Laily originates from the Arabic language and has its roots in ancient Islamic culture. It is a feminine name derived from the Arabic word "layl," which means "night." The name is often associated with beauty, grace, and mystique, evoking the enchanting qualities of the night.

In the context of Islamic tradition, the name Laily is linked to the famous love story of Layla and Majnun. This tragic tale, which dates back to the 7th century, tells the story of Qays ibn al-Mulawwah, who became madly in love with his cousin Layla. Their love was forbidden, and Qays became known as Majnun (meaning "possessed by jinn" or "madman") due to his obsession with Layla. This legendary love story has been a source of inspiration for poets, writers, and artists throughout the centuries.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Laily can be found in the poetry of the renowned Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi (1141-1209 AD). In his epic poem "Khosrow and Shirin," Nizami references the character of Laily, further cementing the name's significance in literature and poetic tradition.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Laily. One of the most famous was Laily al-Amiriyah (1240-1290 AD), a renowned Arab poet and scholar from Damascus. Her poetry was celebrated for its elegance and depth, and she was regarded as one of the most influential literary figures of her time.

Another notable Laily was Laily Sheikhi (1890-1964), a prominent Iranian painter and calligrapher. She was one of the first women to establish herself as a professional artist in Iran and played a significant role in promoting the arts and empowering women in her country.

In the realm of music, Laily Fouda (1942-2002) was an Egyptian singer and actress who achieved international fame for her captivating voice and performances. She was known for her interpretations of traditional Arabic songs and her contributions to the preservation of Egypt's cultural heritage.

More recently, Laily Saleem (born 1986) is a prominent Pakistani writer and journalist. Her works explore themes of identity, gender, and social issues, and she has been recognized for her contributions to literature and advocacy for women's rights.

While the name Laily has its roots in ancient Arabic and Islamic cultures, it has transcended borders and gained popularity across various regions and communities, with individuals from diverse backgrounds embracing its beauty and 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 Laily was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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