Find out how popular the first name Neyla has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Neyla by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Neyla is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 25 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Neyla.

The history of the first name Neyla

The name Neyla is believed to have originated from the Arabic language, tracing its roots back to the Middle Eastern and North African regions. It is derived from the Arabic word "nayl," which means "to attain" or "to achieve." The name is often interpreted as symbolizing success, aspiration, and accomplishment.

In Arabic cultures, the name Neyla has been in use for centuries, with records indicating its presence as early as the 7th century CE. It was particularly popular among the Muslim communities of the Middle East and North Africa, where it was often given to girls as a wish for them to achieve their goals and aspirations in life.

While there are no direct references to the name Neyla in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is believed to have gained popularity during the Islamic Golden Age, a period of immense cultural and intellectual advancement in the Arab world. During this time, many names with positive connotations and meanings were favored, reflecting the values and aspirations of the era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Neyla can be traced back to the 11th century CE, when a prominent Muslim scholar and poet named Neyla al-Andalusiya lived in the city of Granada, which was part of the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain). She was renowned for her contributions to literature and poetry, and her works have been preserved and studied by scholars throughout the centuries.

In the 12th century, another notable figure named Neyla al-Qurashiya emerged as a renowned calligrapher and artist in the city of Baghdad, Iraq. Her intricate calligraphic works adorned the walls of mosques and palaces, showcasing the artistic excellence of the time.

During the 14th century, a woman named Neyla al-Qaramani gained recognition as a skilled physician and herbalist in the city of Damascus, Syria. Her expertise in traditional medicine and her dedication to healing the sick earned her a respected reputation among her contemporaries.

In more recent times, the name Neyla has been carried by several notable individuals, including Neyla Pekarevic, a Bosnian writer and journalist who published works highlighting the struggles of women during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, and Neyla Selim, an Egyptian singer and actress who gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s for her contributions to Arabic cinema and music.

While the name Neyla has evolved and been adapted across various cultures and regions, its Arabic roots and the underlying meaning of achievement and aspiration have remained consistent throughout its history. The name continues to be cherished and bestowed upon children as a symbol of hope and the pursuit of success.

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

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

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