Declining since 2006, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Leala since 1884
Babies named Leala per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Leala's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 7 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 15 |
| 1910s | 65 |
| 1920s | 55 |
| 1930s | 34 |
| 1940s | 23 |
| 1950s | 31 |
| 1960s | 54 |
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 69 |
| 1990s | 43 |
| 2000s | 227 |
| 2010s | 162 |
| 2020s | 53 |
Meaning & origin
Leala is a rare and delicate name with a history of modest use. First recorded in 1884, its earliest appearance also marks its peak year at rank 14,942, when roughly 1 in 321,453 babies were named Leala. Since 2006, its trajectory has been falling, with no revival in recent decades. The name's origins are debated, likely borrowing from the sounds of Leila or Leo without a clear single root. For parents seeking a soft, feminine name that is distinctive without being obscure, Leala offers a gentle option, though it consistently ranks among the least common names in U.S. records.
Leala is a name of uncertain and likely multiple origins. It may be a variant of Leila, which itself derives from the Arabic 'layla' meaning 'night', or a feminine form of Leo, from the Latin 'leo' meaning 'lion'. It could also be a modern coinage, combining fashionable sounds. The name has seen sporadic use since the late 19th century, ranking as high as 14,942 in 1884.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lela, Lea
Sibling names for Leala
Names that share Leala's style, for a brother or sister.
