Girl name · Arabic
Layla
“night, dark beauty”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Layla.
Explore Layla further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Layla — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Layla is Arabic — "night," and by poetic extension "dark beauty" — immortalized by the seventh-century romance of Layla and Majnun, the Romeo and Juliet of the Arabic world, and re-sung by Eric Clapton's guitar.
Layla entered the American top 30 in the 2010s and holds twenty-second place in 2024, with sister spellings (Leila, Laila) extending its reach.
The name is dusk made pronounceable — soft, nocturnal, a little haunted by its own love story. It pairs well with bright middles (Layla June, Layla Skye) for contrast. On our vibe map it is Celestial night-side with deep Cultural Fusion roots.
More Arabic names
Layla sits in our Arabic set — these share its roots.
All Arabic names →Layla — common questions
Is Layla a boy or girl name?
Layla is traditionally a girl name of Arabic origin. It ranked #36 among US girls' names in 2025.
What does the name Layla mean?
Layla means “night, dark beauty” of Arabic origin. Layla is Arabic — "night," and by poetic extension "dark beauty" — immortalized by the seventh-century romance of Layla and Majnun, the Romeo and Juliet of the Arabic world, and re-sung by Eric Clapton's guitar.
Where does the name Layla come from?
Layla is Arabic in origin. Layla entered the American top 30 in the 2010s and holds twenty-second place in 2024, with sister spellings (Leila, Laila) extending its reach.
What are common nicknames for Layla?
Lay and Lala — the short-forms parents most often use for Layla.
How popular is Layla?
Layla ranked #36 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Layla you might want for the nursery.