Meaning
Night, dark-haired beauty
Origin
Arabic, Persian
Gender
Girl / Female
Pronunciation
LAY-luh
Name story
What Leila communicates
Leila is a girl name of Arabic, Persian origin meaning "Night, dark-haired 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 48/100 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 Leila feels close but not quite right, the related names and theme links below lead to options that share its Arabic, Persian heritage or its core idea of "Night, dark-haired beauty". Comparing a few side by side is the easiest way to settle on the name that fits your family best.
Famous People Named Leila
- LLeila Khaled
Names with Similar Meanings
Names that share similar themes and meanings with Leila
Names with Similar Themes
Names meaning "Night"
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Names meaning "Dark"
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Names meaning "Beauty"
Names meaning beauty represent grace, elegance, attractiveness, and charm. Beaut...
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Leila mean?
The name Leila means "Night, dark-haired beauty". It is a name of Arabic, Persian origin that has been carried across many cultures and generations. The meaning reflects qualities valued in Arabic, Persian naming tradition, which is part of why parents who want a name with a clear, positive sense often choose Leila.
What is the origin of the name Leila?
Leila originates from Arabic, Persian. Names of Arabic, Persian origin tend to carry deep historical and cultural significance, shaped by language, religion, and tradition over centuries. Leila fits that pattern: its roots give it the meaning "Night, dark-haired beauty" and connect it to a long lineage of related names that share the same heritage.
Is Leila a popular name?
Leila 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 Leila 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 Leila?
Names similar to Leila 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 Leila but want options, you can explore names that carry the same Arabic, Persian heritage or the same idea of "Night, dark-haired beauty".
How do you pronounce Leila?
Leila is pronounced "LAY-luh". Pronunciation can vary slightly by region and language, but this guide reflects the most common way the name Leila is said.
Is Leila a boy or a girl name?
Leila 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, Persian 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 Leila symbolize?
The name Leila symbolizes "Night, dark-haired beauty". That theme gives Leila 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-haired beauty" is a good way to find alternatives with a similar feeling.
Is Leila a good baby name?
Leila is a meaningful choice: it carries the meaning "Night, dark-haired beauty", has clear Arabic, Persian 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.
