Leili

Leili is a given name of Persian origin, meaning "night" or "darkness." It is predominantly used as a female given name in various cultures, including those influenced by Persian, Turkic, and South Asian traditions. The name has a poetic and somewhat mystical connotation due to its association with the night.

In literature and folklore, Leili is famously known as one half of the central couple in the tragic romance Layla and Majnun, a story that originated in Persia and became widely popular across the Middle East and South Asia. The tale, often attributed to the 7th-century poet Nizami Ganjavi, recounts the passionate but doomed love between Layla and Qays (who becomes Majnun, meaning "possessed" or "mad"). Their story has been retold and adapted numerous times in poetry, prose, and music, solidifying Leili's place as an archetypal figure of romantic devotion and suffering.

The name Leili, or variations thereof such as Layla, Laila, and Leila, is still commonly used today. Its enduring popularity stems from its beautiful sound, its rich literary heritage, and its evocative meaning. While its primary association is with the romantic legend, the name itself carries a sense of beauty and mystery that appeals to many parents.