Meaning
Night, dark beauty
Origin
Arabic
Gender
Girl / Female
Pronunciation
LAY-luh
Name story
What Layla communicates
Layla is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning "Night, dark beauty". That gives it a clear, rooted emotional tone that is easy to connect with and quick to remember.
It is pronounced LAY-luh and sits at a popularity score of 77/100 in our index, which suggests how widely it is chosen today. Names in this range tend to appeal to parents who want something recognizable yet still distinctive.
If Layla feels close but not quite right, the related names and theme links below lead to options that share its Arabic heritage or its core idea of "Night, dark beauty". Comparing a few side by side is the easiest way to settle on the name that fits your family best.
Famous People Named Layla
- LLayla (Eric Clapton song)
Names with Similar Meanings
Names that share similar themes and meanings with Layla
Names with Similar Themes
Names meaning "Night"
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Names meaning "Dark"
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Names meaning "Beauty"
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Layla mean?
The name Layla means "Night, dark beauty". It is a name of Arabic origin that has been carried across many cultures and generations. The meaning reflects qualities valued in Arabic naming tradition, which is part of why parents who want a name with a clear, positive sense often choose Layla.
What is the origin of the name Layla?
Layla originates from Arabic. Names of Arabic origin tend to carry deep historical and cultural significance, shaped by language, religion, and tradition over centuries. Layla fits that pattern: its roots give it the meaning "Night, dark beauty" and connect it to a long lineage of related names that share the same heritage.
Is Layla a popular name?
Layla appears on baby-name popularity charts across many English-speaking countries. Its usage has shifted across generations, rising and falling with cultural moments, famous bearers, and naming trends. You can see where Layla sits relative to other names on its popularity score above, and compare it with similar names in the same style.
What names are similar to Layla?
Names similar to Layla include those with shared origins, related meanings, or a similar sound and rhythm. The related names and similar-meaning sections above list strong alternatives, so if you love Layla but want options, you can explore names that carry the same Arabic heritage or the same idea of "Night, dark beauty".
How do you pronounce Layla?
Layla is pronounced "LAY-luh". Pronunciation can vary slightly by region and language, but this guide reflects the most common way the name Layla is said.
Is Layla a boy or a girl name?
Layla is most commonly used as a girl name. Like many names it can cross gender lines depending on culture, era, and family preference, but its Arabic roots and traditional usage are reflected on this page. If you want a clearly gender-neutral option, browse our unisex names for alternatives.
What does the name Layla symbolize?
The name Layla symbolizes "Night, dark beauty". That theme gives Layla a distinct emotional tone that many parents connect with, and it links the name to a wider family of names built on the same idea. Exploring names that share the meaning "Night, dark beauty" is a good way to find alternatives with a similar feeling.
Is Layla a good baby name?
Layla is a meaningful choice: it carries the meaning "Night, dark beauty", has clear Arabic heritage, and a recognizable pronunciation. Whether it is the right baby name depends on your taste, family traditions, and how it pairs with your surname.