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

Popularity of Lyla by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,651 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lyla.

The history of the first name Lyla

The name Lyla has its origins in the Arabic language, stemming from the word "layl" which means "night" or "dark beauty." It is believed to have first emerged in the Middle Eastern region around the 7th century AD.

The name Lyla gained popularity in the Islamic world during the medieval period, particularly in areas such as Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Arabian Peninsula. It was often associated with beauty, grace, and the allure of the night.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Lyla can be found in classical Arabic literature, where it was used as a poetic term to describe a beautiful woman or a beloved. Some scholars suggest that the name may have been inspired by the Arabic word "layali," which means "nights."

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Lyla. One of the earliest was Lyla al-Akhyaliya (c. 640-704 AD), a renowned Arab poet and scholar from the Umayyad era. Her poems celebrated love, nature, and the beauty of the Arabic language.

Another influential figure was Lyla al-Amiria (1240-1309), a powerful Kurdish ruler who governed parts of modern-day Iraq and Iran. She was known for her military prowess and her patronage of the arts and literature.

In the 19th century, Lyla Michaelides (1857-1926) was a Greek writer and feminist who fought for women's rights and education in the Ottoman Empire. Her works addressed the struggles and aspirations of women in her era.

The name Lyla also found its way into the world of music. Lyla Zor (1905-1981) was a renowned Turkish singer and actress who popularized many folk songs and helped preserve the cultural heritage of Anatolia.

In more recent times, Lyla Hay Owen (1925-2000) was a British actress and writer who appeared in several television series and films, including the iconic "Doctor Who" in the 1960s.

While the name Lyla has Arabic roots, it has transcended cultural boundaries and gained popularity across various regions and cultures over time. Its association with beauty, grace, and the allure of the night has contributed to its enduring appeal.

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

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

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