Leyla Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Leyla
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name LEYLA. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Leyla
Gender
Female
Origin
African
Lucky Number
1
Meaning of the Name
Leyla is a name of Arabic origin meaning 'night' or 'dark beauty,' widely used across various African cultures, often associated with elegance and mystery.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Sun
Positive Nature
Leaders, ambitious, highly driven, self-reliant, innovative.
Negative Traits
Overly aggressive, domineering, impatient, selfish.
Lucky Colours
Red, orange, gold.
Lucky Days
Sunday.
Lucky Stones
Ruby, garnet.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Entrepreneurs, managers, engineers.
What People Like About You
Courage, determination, leadership.
Famous People Named Leyla
Leyla Gencer
Opera Singer
Renowned Turkish soprano known as 'La Diva Turca' who performed at La Scala for nearly 30 years
Leyla Zana
Politician/Activist
Kurdish politician and human rights activist, first Kurdish woman elected to Turkish Parliament, Nobel Peace Prize nominee
Leyla Aliyeva
Philanthropist/Artist
Vice President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, environmental activist, and contemporary artist from Azerbaijan
Leyla Harding
Beauty Queen
Miss Tanzania 2016 winner who represented Tanzania at Miss World 2016
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
In Swahili culture, the name takes on additional layers of meaning through its literal translation 'born at night.' This reflects traditional African naming practices where children are often named after circumstances of their birth, time of day, or natural events. The nighttime association connects Leyla to lunar cycles, celestial navigation, and the spiritual significance of darkness in many African traditions. The name's adoption in Swahili-speaking communities also illustrates the historical influence of Arabic culture and Islam along the East African coast, where trade relationships led to cultural synthesis. Today, Leyla represents a beautiful fusion of Arabic literary heritage and African naming traditions, making it a name that bridges multiple cultural worlds while maintaining its core identity.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Leyla are often perceived as possessing a captivating blend of mystery, depth, and emotional intensity that reflects the name's nocturnal origins and romantic heritage. The 'born at night' meaning contributes to associations with intuition, introspection, and a certain enigmatic quality—much like the night sky itself. Leylas are frequently described as highly intuitive individuals who trust their gut feelings and possess remarkable emotional intelligence. They often have a natural ability to read people and situations, making them excellent confidantes and advisors. Their emotional depth can manifest as strong empathy and compassion, though it may also lead to periods of intense introspection.
The romantic legacy of Layla and Majnun infuses the name with associations of passion, devotion, and artistic sensibility. Many Leylas exhibit creative talents, whether in visual arts, music, writing, or other expressive forms. They tend to approach relationships with deep commitment and intensity, valuing genuine connection over superficial interactions. The combination of African cultural roots and Islamic heritage suggests a personality that balances community-oriented values with individual spiritual depth. Leylas often demonstrate resilience and strength drawn from their multicultural namesake, able to navigate different social contexts with grace and adaptability. While they may appear reserved initially, their inner world is typically rich with imagination, emotion, and profound insight into human nature.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Leyla has emerged as a globally popular choice that beautifully balances traditional roots with modern appeal. The name has seen consistent growth in popularity across Western countries since the early 2000s, particularly following Eric Clapton's iconic song 'Layla' and increased cultural exchange. Current naming data shows Leyla and its variations regularly appearing in top baby name lists across Europe, North America, and Australia, with the spelling 'Layla' often ranking higher in English-speaking countries while 'Leyla' maintains popularity in Turkish and Muslim communities. The name's multicultural flexibility makes it appealing to parents from diverse backgrounds—Muslim families appreciate its Islamic heritage, African families value its Swahili meaning, and Western parents are drawn to its melodic sound and literary connections. Social media and global entertainment have further popularized the name, with celebrities choosing variations of Leyla for their children and characters appearing in international films and series. The name's current popularity reflects broader trends toward choosing names with meaningful cultural heritage, feminine strength, and international recognition, positioning Leyla as both timeless and contemporary in the global naming landscape.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Leyla embodies the profound duality of night—both its mystery and its revelation, its darkness and its celestial illumination. The name's core meaning of 'born at night' connects it to powerful symbolic associations with the moon, stars, and the transformative power of darkness. In many cultural traditions, night represents the womb of creation, the time when dreams are born and subconscious wisdom emerges. Thus, Leyla symbolizes intuitive knowledge, spiritual insight, and the creative potential that flourishes in quiet contemplation. The crescent moon—a symbol deeply connected to Islamic culture—further enhances these associations, representing growth, cycles, and feminine energy.
Metaphorically, Leyla represents the journey from darkness to enlightenment, embodying the idea that true understanding often emerges from navigating the unknown. The name carries the symbolic weight of its literary heritage, representing idealized love that transcends physical reality and becomes spiritual devotion. In Sufi tradition, which heavily influenced the Layla and Majnun story, Layla represents the divine beloved and the soul's yearning for union with God. This adds layers of spiritual symbolism where the name represents the seeker's eternal quest for truth and connection. The nighttime birth aspect also symbolizes new beginnings emerging from darkness, hope in challenging circumstances, and the idea that our most significant transformations often occur during periods of uncertainty or transition. Together, these symbolic meanings create a rich tapestry that positions Leyla as representing intuition, spiritual seeking, creative inspiration, and the beautiful mystery of human emotion and connection.