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 experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. From having several years with only 5 births each between 1898 and 1965, it started to gain traction from the mid-1960s onwards, peaking at 232 births in 2016. However, its popularity has been declining since then, with only 179 births recorded in both 2021 and 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 4184 births named Leela from 1898 to 2023.