Declining since 2020, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Leili since 1998
Babies named Leili per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 48 |
| 2010s | 43 |
| 2020s | 26 |
Meaning & origin
Leili, a variant of the classic Layla, carries the poetic meaning of 'night' or 'dark beauty'. In the U.S., the name first appeared on record in 1998 and reached its peak popularity in 2020, though it has been declining since, fitting a trajectory that saw a 2025 rank of 14,942. The name is given to roughly 1 in every 321,453 girls, indicating its rarity. Despite its low frequency, Leili remains a culturally rich choice with deep roots in Persian and Arabic literature, evoking the timeless story of Layla and Majnun. Its melodic sound and international appeal make it a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with history and elegance.
Leili is a variant of Layla, ultimately from the Arabic word 'layl' meaning night, or from Persian 'leili' with a similar meaning. The name is associated with the classic Persian romance of Layla and Majnun, dating back to the 7th century. It has been used across the Middle East and Central Asia for centuries, with spelling variations in different languages.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lili, Lei
Sibling names for Leili
Names that share Leili's style, for a brother or sister.
