Layla is a beautiful and unique female given name of Arabic origin. The name Layla means "night beauty" or "dark haired woman". It is derived from the Arabic word "layl", which means night, and "jewel" or "beauty". In some variations of the name, it can also mean "calmness".
The name Layla has a rich history and cultural significance in many parts of the world. One of the most famous references to the name Layla comes from the ancient Arabic tale of "Layla and Majnun", which is a tragic love story about two star-crossed lovers who are separated by their families but continue to pursue each other despite all odds. The tale has been retold in many different forms throughout history, including by the famous poet Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Shammas in the 13th century.
In addition to its literary significance, the name Layla is also associated with several notable historical figures and cultural icons. For example, Layla Mu'allaqah was a pre-Islamic Arabian poet who was known for her powerful and evocative verses about love and longing. Additionally, Layla Ali is a renowned boxer from the United States who won multiple world championships in the lightweight division.
Overall, the name Layla is a timeless and meaningful choice for parents looking to give their daughter a unique and beautiful name with deep roots in history and culture.
The name Layla has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, as indicated by the statistics provided.
In the mid-20th century, the number of babies named Layla remained relatively low, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1950 to 1970. However, starting in 1971, there was a notable rise in the number of newborn girls given the name Layla, with 42 births recorded that year.
This upward trend continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, reaching a peak of 6516 births in 2018. Since then, the popularity of the name Layla has remained high, with over 5600 births recorded each year from 2018 to 2023.
In total, there have been 118,366 babies named Layla born in the United States since records began. This demonstrates that the name Layla has become a popular choice for parents in recent years and has maintained its popularity up until the present day.