Name profile

GirlPronounced Arabic /ˈlaj.laː/; English /ˈleɪ.lə/Dutch language family

Layla

A name meaning "night".

Quick answer

Layla is a girl name meaning "night".

Pronunciation: Arabic /ˈlaj.laː/; English /ˈleɪ.lə/.

GenderGirl
Meaningnight
PronunciationArabic /ˈlaj.laː/; English /ˈleɪ.lə/
Language familyDutch

Meaning and history

The name means "night" in Arabic. Layla was the love interest of the poet Qays (called Majnun) in an old Arab tale, notably retold by the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in his poem Layla and Majnun. This story was a popular romance in medieval Arabia and Persia. The name became used in the English-speaking world after the 1970 release of the song Layla by Derek and the Dominos, the title of which was inspired by the medieval story.

Notes and context

Usage: arabic, english | Arabic: ليلى