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

Popularity of Lela by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 89 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lela.

The history of the first name Lela

The name Lela has its origins in the Greek language and can be traced back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "lelos," which means "calm" or "serene." The name was particularly popular in Greece during the Classical era, although it was also used in other parts of the ancient Mediterranean world.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lela can be found in the works of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BC. Herodotus mentions a woman named Lela in his famous work "The Histories," suggesting that the name was in use during that time period.

In the realm of mythology, Lela was also the name of a nymph who was said to be the daughter of the river god Alpheus. According to Greek legends, she was pursued by the god Dionysus, but was eventually transformed into a spring to escape his advances.

During the Byzantine era, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th century AD, the name Lela continued to be used, particularly among Greek Christians. One notable figure from this period was Lela of Constantinople, a noblewoman who lived in the 9th century and was known for her philanthropic work and patronage of the arts.

As the name spread to other parts of Europe, it took on various spellings and variations. In the Middle Ages, the name Lela was sometimes spelled as "Laila" or "Leila" in certain regions, reflecting the influence of Arabic and Moorish culture on parts of Europe.

Throughout history, there have been several other notable figures who bore the name Lela. One example is Lela Margrid, a Norwegian painter and illustrator who lived from 1846 to 1920 and was known for her intricate works depicting nature and folklore.

Another prominent figure was Lela Amis, an American musician and singer who was born in 1899. She was a pioneering figure in the world of jazz and blues music, and her recordings from the 1920s and 1930s have been widely acclaimed and influential.

In the realm of literature, Lela Dore was an American author and poet who lived from 1906 to 1996. She was best known for her collections of poetry that explored themes of nature, love, and the human experience.

Lastly, Lela Lotos was a Greek actress and dancer who lived from 1905 to 1987. She was a prominent figure in the world of Greek cinema during the mid-20th century and was renowned for her performances in both dramatic and comedic roles.

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

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

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