Leilah

Meaning & origin

Leilah is a variant spelling of the more common Layla or Leila, names that have been used in the United States since at least the late 19th century. First recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1898, Leilah experienced a peak in popularity in 2010 before entering a period of decline that has continued through 2025, where it ranks 1652 nationwide. The name is most frequently given in California, Georgia, and Texas, reflecting its appeal across diverse communities. With a current incidence of 1 in 12,858 births, Leilah remains a distinctive but recognizable choice, carrying the romantic 'night' meaning from its Arabic root. The name's trajectory suggests it is becoming less common, with a downward trend in recent years.

Leilah is a variant spelling of Leila or Layla, names with multiple proposed origins. The most widely cited derivation is from the Arabic 'laylah' (night), often interpreted poetically as 'dark beauty' or 'born at night'. A Hebrew origin links it to 'Le'ah' (weary or languid), though this is less common. The name gained exposure in the West through 19th-century Romantic literature and has seen steady use in the United States since the late 1800s.