Layla

Layla is a feminine given name of Arabic origin, derived from layl, meaning night. It is used across the Arab world and in Muslim communities worldwide, and has been adopted in many languages with variant spellings such as Leila, Laila, Leilah, and Laylah. The name often carries associations with night-time imagery and beauty in poetry and culture.

In literature and folklore, Layla appears in classic love traditions such as Layla and Majnun, a story of star-crossed lovers that has influenced Middle Eastern and Persian literary traditions. Over time, Layla has become a widely used given name in various cultures and is sometimes chosen for its lyrical sound and romantic connotations.

Notable people with the name include Layla Ali (born 1977), American former professional boxer and daughter of Muhammad Ali, and Layla Moran (born 1983), British politician and Member of Parliament. The name also appears in various cultural works and media, where characters named Layla are featured in novels, television, and film.

Layla is also the title of a well-known rock song by Derek and the Dominos, from the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970). The track is noted for its distinctive guitar riff and extended instrumental coda, with the writing credits typically given to Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon. The song is commonly associated with Clapton’s admiration for Pattie Boyd, though interpretations vary and it remains one of the era’s most enduring rock performances.