A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Liela since 1919
Babies named Liela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 34 |
| 1930s | 67 |
| 1940s | 34 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 56 |
| 2010s | 73 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Liela is a rare and delicate name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1919, during a period when variant forms of Leila were gaining popularity. Its peak usage came in 1933, but it remained an uncommon choice throughout the 20th century. Since 2022, the name has shown a gradual upward trajectory, possibly reflecting a renewed interest in vintage and soft-sounding names. Despite its scarcity, Liela has never ranked among the top 1000 names nationally, and no state data is available to pinpoint regional concentrations. Its lack of a definitive etymology adds an air of mystery, with connections to both Arabic 'night' and Hebrew divine names. For parents seeking a name that is both lyrical and distinctive, Liela offers a rare, melodic option.
Liela is likely a variant of Leila (Arabic: ليلى, meaning 'night' or 'dark beauty') or Lila, which shares the same root. Alternatively, it may be derived from the Hebrew name Liel (לִי-אֵל), meaning 'mine is God' or simply 'to me.' The name has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lia, Lulu
Sibling names for Liela
Names that share Liela's style, for a brother or sister.
