Leela is a unique and captivating feminine given name that originates from the Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, Leela means "divine play" or "sport of the gods". This interpretation suggests a sense of joyfulness, creativity, and divine inspiration associated with the name.
The name Leela has a rich history rooted in Hindu mythology and culture. It is often used to refer to the playful and mischievous acts of the Hindu god Krishna, who was known for his divine pastimes or "leelas". Some popular leelas include lifting Mount Govardhan to protect the inhabitants from a thunderstorm, stealing butter from the homes of the village women, and dancing with the milkmaids.
Leela is also associated with the concept of lila in Hindu philosophy, which embodies the idea that the universe and all its events are the play or sport of the divine. This notion emphasizes the interconnectedness of everything in the cosmos and the presence of divinity within every aspect of life.
In various Indian languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, and Kannada, Leela is often used as a female given name. It has gained popularity beyond India's borders due to its unique meaning and cultural significance. Parents who choose this name for their daughters may wish to honor Hindu traditions or simply appreciate the appealing sound and meaning of Leela.
Overall, Leela is an enchanting name with deep-rooted origins in Hinduism and a beautiful interpretation that signifies divine playfulness and creativity. It offers a compelling choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Leela has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States, with a total of 4184 babies named Leela since 1898.
Initially, the name was quite rare, with only five births recorded each year between 1898 and 1952. However, starting from 1953, there was an increase in the number of babies named Leela, with seven births that year and continuing with a steady rise throughout the 1960s.
The name gained significant traction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with peaks of 23 births in 1984 and 25 births in 1990. This period marked a turning point for Leela's popularity.
In the new millennium, the name Leela experienced exponential growth. Between 2000 and 2006 alone, there was an average of more than 70 births per year. The peak came in 2011 with a remarkable 201 births. This trend continued throughout the decade, with 232 births recorded in 2016.
However, since 2017, there has been a slight decline in Leela's popularity, with around 190 to 180 births per year until 2023. Despite this recent decrease, it is clear that Leela remains a popular name choice for parents in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the fluctuating popularity of the name Leela over time, with significant increases since the mid-20th century and a notable surge in the early 21st century.