The name Lela is of Hungarian origin and it means "night". It is derived from the Hungarian word "éjszaka" which translates to "night". The name has been used in Hungary for centuries, but it gained international recognition when it was used by the Hungarian-born actress Lila Kedar (whose real name was Lela Ferren) in her films. Today, Lela is still a popular name in Hungary and other countries around the world. It's often associated with creativity and mystery due to its connection with nighttime and dreams.
The name Lela has been used sparingly throughout the United States over the years with a total of 68 recorded births since 1886. The most popular year for the name was in 1919 and again in 1923, when it was given to six baby girls each year. The name experienced its lowest popularity during certain periods such as between 1924 and 1932 where only five babies were named Lela annually on average. Despite these fluctuations in usage over time, the name Lela remains a unique choice for parents seeking a distinctive moniker for their daughters.