Laila Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Laila
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name LAILA. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Laila
Gender
Female
Origin
African
Lucky Number
8
Meaning of the Name
In Swahili and other African cultures, Laila means 'night' or 'born at night', often symbolizing beauty and tranquility associated with the evening.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Saturn
Positive Nature
Ambitious, efficient, realistic, and authoritative.
Negative Traits
Materialistic, stressed, confrontational, and can be overly ambitious.
Lucky Colours
Dark blue, black.
Lucky Days
Saturday.
Lucky Stones
Blue sapphire, amethyst.
Harmony Numbers
2, 4, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Business leaders, managers, financial services, law enforcement.
What People Like About You
Leadership, determination, organizational skills.
Famous People Named Laila
Laila Ali
Professional Boxer and Television Personality
Undefeated world champion boxer and daughter of Muhammad Ali
Laila Lalami
Novelist and Essayist
Award-winning Moroccan-American author and Pulitzer Prize finalist
Laila Rouass
Actress
British actress known for roles in 'Holby City' and 'Footballers' Wives'
Laila Elwi
Actress
Prominent Egyptian actress with over 70 film and television roles
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
In East African Swahili culture, the name takes on additional significance through its meaning 'born at night.' Many African cultures traditionally name children based on circumstances of birth, time of day, or seasonal events. A child born at night might be seen as having special connections to the spiritual world or possessing intuitive qualities. The name's adoption in Swahili-speaking regions demonstrates the historical trade connections and cultural exchange between Arab traders and East African coastal communities. This dual heritage makes Laila a truly transnational name that bridges continents while maintaining its core poetic and cultural resonances.
Extended Personality Analysis
People named Laila are often associated with a complex blend of romantic idealism and practical strength. The name's literary heritage suggests someone with deep emotional capacity, artistic sensibility, and a tendency toward introspection. Lailas are frequently described as having strong intuitive abilities and emotional intelligence, making them excellent judges of character and situations. Their connection to the night symbolism implies comfort with solitude and the ability to find wisdom in quiet reflection. Many exhibit a natural elegance and grace that others find compelling.
At the same time, the name's cross-cultural prevalence suggests adaptability and resilience. Lailas often demonstrate the ability to navigate different social contexts while maintaining their core identity. They tend to be loyal friends and partners, with the legendary romance associated with their name creating expectations of deep commitment in relationships. The nighttime birth meaning can manifest as creativity, dreaminess, or visionary thinking, with many Lailas excelling in artistic, healing, or spiritual professions. Despite their romantic associations, they often possess surprising practicality and determination when pursuing their goals, showing the strength that comes from their diverse cultural heritage.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Laila continues to enjoy widespread popularity in the 21st century, appealing to parents across cultural backgrounds. In Western countries, the name has maintained steady usage since the 1970s, with particular spikes in popularity following cultural moments like Eric Clapton's 1970 song 'Layla' and Laila Ali's boxing career in the early 2000s. The various spellings (Laila, Layla, Leila) collectively make it one of the most popular name groups for girls in English-speaking countries. Modern usage reflects several contemporary naming trends: the preference for names with international appeal, the popularity of names ending in '-la' sounds, and the growing interest in names with deep cultural roots. The name's Muslim associations have made it particularly popular in multicultural societies, while its beautiful sound and romantic connotations appeal to parents regardless of religious background. Current data shows the name maintaining strong positions in name charts across Europe, North America, and the Muslim world, demonstrating its enduring cross-cultural appeal.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
The symbolic meanings of Laila extend far beyond its literal translation, encompassing rich layers of cultural and spiritual significance. As a name meaning 'born at night,' it connects to universal symbolism of darkness as a realm of potential, mystery, and transformation. In many spiritual traditions, night represents the time when the veil between worlds is thinnest, making Laila symbolic of intuition, dreams, and connection to the unconscious. The moon's association with the name suggests cyclical wisdom, feminine energy, and the ability to reflect light in darkness. The legendary romance of Layla and Majnun adds layers of symbolic meaning related to idealized love, spiritual yearning, and the soul's search for its beloved. In Sufi mysticism, this story represents the soul's longing for union with the divine, making Laila a name that symbolizes spiritual aspiration and transcendent love. The name's journey across cultures and centuries represents the enduring power of storytelling and the way names carry cultural memory and symbolic weight through generations.