Rising since 1988, #1,279 for girls today.
Popularity of Leela since 1898
Babies named Leela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 16 |
| 1950s | 17 |
| 1960s | 47 |
| 1970s | 109 |
| 1980s | 158 |
| 1990s | 194 |
| 2000s | 864 |
| 2010s | 2,034 |
| 2020s | 1,091 |
Meaning & origin
Leela is a Sanskrit name meaning 'play' or 'divine amusement,' with deep roots in Hindu philosophy. In the U.S., it first appeared in 1898, but its usage remained rare until the late 20th century. Since 1988, Leela has been steadily rising in popularity, with its peak year in 2016. In 2025, it ranked 1279, with about 1 in 9184 baby girls receiving the name. It has been particularly well-received in states like Colorado, New Jersey, and Minnesota. The name's growth reflects a broader interest in names with spiritual and cross-cultural appeal.
Leela derives from Sanskrit लीला (līlā), meaning play, sport, or divine play. In Hindu philosophy, līlā refers to the cosmic play of the divine, particularly associated with Krishna. The name has been used in India for centuries and gained some popularity in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century, partly through the character Leela in the TV series Futurama.
Where Leela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Leela” around the world
Where Leela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lela
Sibling names for Leela
Names that share Leela's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Asha, Kiran, Priya, Nalini, Ambar, Ananda, Avni, Jiya, Kamala, Kasha, Meera, Nila, Ranee, Reva, Samya, Siya, Aarti, Aavya, Aneesha, Aruna, Iniya, Manya, Pria, Richa, Risha, Saachi, Sarika, Sharma, Sruthi, Tulsi, Veera, Akela, Amala, Anavi, Anishka, Ashika, Deva, Karmah, Makara, Marra, Namya, Neeva, Nikitha, Nysha, Saavi, Trishika, Anshi, Meha, Solai, Aamya, Aayana, Adasha, Alka, Aneri, Avisha, Charda, Kalika, Kanitra, Kosha, Kushi, Maitri, Minal, Nalina, Navani, Navina, Parisha, Rewa, Seela, Seva, Shresta, Simrin, Sunya, Tamasha, Vali
Brothers: Ravi, Arun, Nikhil, Sanjay, Vikram, Aayan, Avyan, Dev, Ishaan, Kiaan, Neel, Rohan, Taj, Aadi, Amay, Arsh, Evaan, Kairav, Kavi, Kedar, Manu, Nirvan, Rajah, Rajon, Rohaan, Rohin, Shalin, Sohan, Yug, Ashan, Dashan, Deshan, Gurman, Gurshan, Kavari, Kavir, Kiron, Nivan, Paarth, Sahas, Nevaan, Akaash, Andrus, Govind, Hanish, Janard, Kethan, Kiansh, Maanav, Mathan, Nihaan, Nikesh, Raam, Saagar, Savan, Sharvin, Suhaas, Vyan
