Find out how popular the first name Lyah has been for the last 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lyah by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lyah.

The history of the first name Lyah

The name Lyah has its origins in the ancient Semitic languages, specifically Arabic and Hebrew. It is believed to have emerged during the early centuries of the Common Era, around the 5th or 6th century AD. The name is derived from the Arabic word "layali," which means "nights" or "evenings." In Hebrew, the name has a similar root, "leil," also meaning "night."

Historically, the name Lyah may have been associated with the concept of beauty, as the night was often seen as a time of mystery, romance, and celestial wonders in ancient Arabic and Hebrew cultures. Some scholars suggest that the name could have been inspired by the poetic imagery of the night sky and the moon, which held significant symbolic meaning in these regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lyah can be found in the writings of the renowned Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi (915-965 AD), who mentioned a woman with this name in one of his poems. Another early reference comes from the 12th-century Hebrew scholar and poet, Judah Halevi (1075-1141 AD), who included a character named Lyah in one of his works.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lyah. One of the most famous was Lyah al-Nafzawiyah (1213-1288 AD), a renowned Sufi mystic and poet from Persia. Her collection of spiritual poetry and teachings had a significant influence on the development of Sufism in the region.

Another historical figure with the name Lyah was Lyah bint Musa (c. 790-850 AD), a prominent female scholar and mathematician during the Islamic Golden Age. She made important contributions to the fields of algebra and geometry, and her works were highly regarded by her contemporaries.

In the 15th century, Lyah al-Malikah (1425-1498) was a powerful queen and ruler of the Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt. She was known for her political acumen and her patronage of the arts and sciences during her reign.

The name Lyah also has a rich history in the realm of literature. Lyah al-Dimashqi (1618-1688) was a celebrated Syrian poet and author whose works explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human experience. Her poetry was widely acclaimed and influenced generations of writers in the Middle East.

Lastly, Lyah al-Baghdadi (1766-1839) was a renowned Iraqi calligrapher and artist. She was highly skilled in the art of Arabic calligraphy and was renowned for her intricate and beautiful works, which adorned many mosques and palaces across the region.

These are just a few examples of the historical figures who carried the name Lyah, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and the diverse contributions of those who bore this name throughout the centuries.

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

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

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