Find out how popular the first name Leilah has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Leilah by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Leilah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 156 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Leilah.

The history of the first name Leilah

The name Leilah has its origins in the Arabic language and is derived from the word "layl," which means "night." It is a feminine name that has been in use for centuries and has a rich cultural and historical significance.

In the Islamic tradition, Leilah is associated with the night of power or the night of destiny, known as Laylat al-Qadr, which is considered one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. This night is believed to be when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

The name Leilah has been documented in various historical records and texts throughout the Middle East and North Africa. One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name can be found in the medieval Arabic literature, where it was used as a poetic metaphor to represent beauty, mystery, and tranquility.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Leilah. One of the most famous was Leilah al-Khayria, a 10th-century Arab poet and scholar from Cordoba, Spain, who was renowned for her contributions to literature and philosophy.

Another prominent figure was Leilah Khaled, a Palestinian revolutionary and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who was active in the 1960s and 1970s and became an iconic figure in the Palestinian resistance movement.

In the world of music, Leilah Bakhtiar was an Iranian singer and songwriter known for her performances of traditional Persian music in the 20th century. She was born in 1932 and was considered one of the most influential voices in Iranian classical music.

In the realm of literature, Leilah Nadir was an Egyptian novelist and short story writer who lived from 1909 to 1989. Her works explored themes of social injustice, women's rights, and the complexities of modern Egyptian society.

Another notable figure was Leilah Abdennabi, a Tunisian activist and feminist who fought for women's rights and played a significant role in the Tunisian women's movement in the mid-20th century. She was born in 1907 and dedicated her life to promoting gender equality and social reforms.

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

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

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