Leila

Leila is a feminine given name of Persian and Arabic origin, typically meaning “night.” The name is widely used across cultures and languages, with common transliterations including Layla, Laila, Leilah, Leyla, and Leïla. In Arabic, the root Layl refers to night, and the poetic association with night has helped sustain its popularity in literature and modern media.

Variants and related forms appear across regions, reflecting linguistic differences in spelling and pronunciation. Leila/Layla is particularly common in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, as well as in Western countries, often adapted to local phonology.

Notable people named Leila:

- Leila Lopes, Angolan model who won Miss Universe in 2011

- Leila Khaled, Palestinian political activist and member of the PFLP

- Leïla Slimani, Moroccan-French writer and 2016 Prix Goncourt winner

- Leïla Bekhti, French actress of Algerian descent

- Leila Mottley, American author known for Nightcrawling

The name Leila remains popular in many communities due to its lyrical sound, timeless meaning, and historical associations with poetry and classic literature.