Find out how popular the first name Rayla has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rayla by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Rayla is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 129 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rayla.

The history of the first name Rayla

The name Rayla is a relatively modern invention, likely originating in the late 20th century. It appears to be a combination of the names Raya and Layla, both of which have Arabic origins. The name Raya means "beautiful" or "vision of paradise" in Arabic, while Layla means "night" or "born at night."

While the name Rayla itself does not have any known historical references or appearances in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its component names have a rich history. The name Raya can be traced back to the 7th century and was popularized by the famous Arabic poet and warrior princess, Raya bint Al-Mudharib.

The name Layla, on the other hand, has a prominent place in Arabic literature, most notably in the classic love story "Layla and Majnun," written by the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. The story revolves around the tragic love between the poet Qays and his beloved Layla, and their names have become synonymous with passionate and eternal love in Arabic culture.

The earliest recorded use of the name Rayla is difficult to pinpoint, but it is believed to have gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States and other Western countries. Some notable individuals with the name Rayla throughout history include:

1. Rayla Dexter (born 1984), an American actress and model known for her roles in independent films.
2. Rayla Khalil (born 1978), a Lebanese-American author and journalist who has written extensively on Middle Eastern affairs.
3. Rayla Ramos (born 1991), a Puerto Rican professional tennis player who has represented her country in several international tournaments.
4. Rayla Sampson (born 1982), an Australian artist and sculptor whose works have been exhibited in galleries across the world.
5. Rayla Khan (born 1975), a British entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in developing countries.

While the name Rayla is a modern creation, it carries the cultural influences and linguistic roots of its component names, Raya and Layla, which have a rich history and significance in Arabic literature and culture.

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

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

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