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Leila Origin Name

Introduction

Choosing a name for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. The name you choose will be with your child for the rest of their life, so it's important to choose a name that is meaningful, unique, and has a positive connotation. One name that fits all of these criteria is Leila. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of the name Leila, its popularity, famous people with the name, and variations of the name.

Origin and Meaning of the Name Leila

The name Leila has a rich history and meaning. It is of Arabic origin and means 'night' or 'dark beauty'. In Arabic literature, Leila is the name of the heroine in the story of 'Layla and Majnun', a tragic love story that has been told and retold for centuries. In Persian literature, Leila is the name of a character in the epic poem 'Shahnameh', which tells the story of the kings of Persia. The name Leila has also been used in Hebrew and Swahili cultures, where it means 'dark as night' and 'born at night', respectively.

Popularity of the Name Leila

The name Leila has been steadily increasing in popularity in the United States over the past few decades. According to the Social Security Administration, the name Leila was ranked #267 in popularity in 2020, up from #292 in 2019. In 2020, there were 1,082 baby girls named Leila in the United States. The name Leila is also popular in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Famous People with the Name Leila

There are many famous people with the name Leila, including Leila Khaled, a Palestinian activist and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine; Leila Lopes, a former Miss Universe from Angola; and Leila Hatami, an Iranian actress who has won numerous awards for her performances. The name Leila has also been used in popular culture, including in the song 'Leila' by Eric Clapton and in the book 'Leila: or, The Siege of Granada' by Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

Variations of the Name Leila

There are many variations of the name Leila, including Layla, Laila, Leyla, and Lila. Layla is the most popular variation of the name, and it is also of Arabic origin. Laila and Leyla are variations of the name that are popular in Persian and Turkish cultures, respectively. Lila is a variation of the name that is popular in English-speaking countries, and it is also a shortened form of the name Delilah.

Conclusion

Leila is a beautiful and unique name with a rich history and meaning. It is of Arabic origin and means 'night' or 'dark beauty'. The name has been steadily increasing in popularity in the United States and is also popular in other countries. There are many famous people with the name Leila, and there are also many variations of the name, including Layla, Laila, Leyla, and Lila. If you are looking for a name that is meaningful, unique, and has a positive connotation, Leila is a great choice.