Lila - Name Meaning, Origin and History


Name:
Lila
Pronunciation:
/ˈliːlə/
Gender:
Female
Origin:
Arabic
Religion:
Meaning:
Night; dark beauty
Variations:
Leela; Lylah; Lyla; Lilah
Lila, a name of Arabic origin, means "night" or "dark beauty." It is derived from the Arabic word "layl," which signifies the night. Historically, the name has been used in various cultures, often symbolizing mystery and beauty associated with the night. In Hindu mythology, Lila is a concept representing the divine play of gods, which adds a spiritual dimension to the name. Lila has been used as a given name in many countries, with variations like Leela, Lylah, Lyla, and Lilah. It is predominantly a female name, though some cultures use it as a unisex name. The name's popularity has seen fluctuations over the years, with a notable increase in the United States and Europe in recent decades. Lila is often paired with sibling names like Ava, Noah, or Ethan. People named Lila are often described as creative, intuitive, and empathetic, with a strong inclination towards artistic professions.

Popularity of The Name Lila

Lila's popularity has been on the rise, particularly in the United States and Europe. It ranks within the top 200 names in the U.S. and is increasingly favored in countries like France and Germany.

Famous People Named Lila

Lila Downs
A Mexican-American singer known for her mix of traditional Mexican music with contemporary styles
Lila Kedrova
A Russian-born French actress who won an Academy Award for her role in "Zorba the Greek"
Lila Abu-Lughod
An American anthropologist known for her work on gender and media in the Middle East

Interesting Facts About the Name Lila

Most common surname :
Smith, Rodriguez, Johnson
Most common spouse name :
Michael, David, John
Most common child name :
Ava, Ethan, Noah
Peak birth year :
2015 in the United States
Characteristics :
Creative, intuitive, empathetic
Professional orientation :
Artistic professions, particularly in music and acting
Historical significance :
Used in various cultures to symbolize the beauty and mystery of the night
Pop culture significance :
Featured in literature and media as a name for characters embodying elegance and mystery
Linguistic origin :
Derived from the Arabic word "layl," meaning night

Explore Your Genealogy

Other names starting with L

Explore other names starting with L to help you discover related genealogy records.

Explore other names starting with L to help you discover related genealogy records.

Explore first names - their meanings, origins, and interesting facts

Continue to explore other first names and their meanings, origins, and interesting facts

Continue to explore other first names and their meanings, origins, and interesting facts

Other family names that are common with Lila

Discover common family names associated with the first name Lila to help you find related genealogy records.

Family Name Popularity
Holland 0.93%
Smith 0.93%
Brown 0.82%
Miller 0.58%
Hamilton 0.47%
Boucher 0.47%
Anderson 0.47%
Dore 0.47%
Gagnon 0.47%
Gordon 0.47%
Thompson 0.47%
Williams 0.47%
Young 0.35%
Wilson 0.35%
Walker 0.35%
Parker 0.35%
Edwards 0.35%
Deschamps 0.35%
Belec 0.35%
Betts 0.35%

Discover common family names associated with the first name Lila to help you find related genealogy records.

Family Name Popularity
Holland 0.93%
Smith 0.93%
Brown 0.82%
Miller 0.58%
Hamilton 0.47%
Boucher 0.47%
Anderson 0.47%
Dore 0.47%
Gagnon 0.47%
Gordon 0.47%
Thompson 0.47%
Williams 0.47%
Young 0.35%
Wilson 0.35%
Walker 0.35%
Parker 0.35%
Edwards 0.35%
Deschamps 0.35%
Belec 0.35%
Betts 0.35%

Updated: 



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Last update: 2025-05-20

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