Find out how popular the first name Leila has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Leila by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Leila is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Leila being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,263 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Leila.

The history of the first name Leila

The name Leila has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, with its roots stretching back to ancient times. The name is derived from the Arabic word "layl," meaning "night," and is often interpreted to signify beauty, elegance, and grace, akin to the serene qualities of the night.

Leila has been a popular name across various regions of the Middle East and North Africa for centuries. It is believed to have first appeared in written records around the 7th century AD, during the rise of the Islamic Golden Age. The name was often associated with poetry and literature, as poets and writers frequently used it as a metaphor for feminine beauty and charm.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Leila can be found in the seminal work of Persian literature, the "Shahnameh" (Book of Kings), written by the poet Ferdowsi in the 10th century AD. In this epic poem, Leila is mentioned as a beautiful and virtuous woman, whose name has since become a symbol of love and devotion.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Leila. One of the most famous was Leila Khaled (born in 1944), a Palestinian revolutionary and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. She gained international recognition for her involvement in two hijackings in 1969 and 1970, which brought attention to the Palestinian cause.

Another prominent Leila was Leila Abouzeid (1886-1957), an Egyptian writer, journalist, and women's rights activist. She was a pioneer in the Egyptian feminist movement and played a crucial role in advocating for women's education and empowerment in the early 20th century.

In the realm of literature, Leila Aboulela (born in 1964) is a renowned Sudanese writer and novelist. Her works, such as "The Translator" and "Minaret," explore themes of identity, cultural clashes, and the experiences of Muslim immigrants in the West.

The name Leila also has a significant presence in the world of classical music. Leila Fletcher (1899-1988) was a British pianist and composer known for her contributions to the development of modern British music. Her compositions, including the piano concerto "Violette," received critical acclaim and were performed by renowned orchestras.

Lastly, Leila Khaled (born in 1923) was a prominent Lebanese artist and painter. Her vibrant and expressive works, often depicting scenes from Arab daily life, gained her recognition as one of the most influential Arab artists of the 20th century.

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 Leila was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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