Origin
The name Laylah (also spelled Layla) originates from the Arabic language, where it means 'night'. It is historically rooted in Arabic poetry and literature, commonly symbolising beauty and mystery associated with the night. The name became popular in Western countries through the influence of romantic poetry and music, notably in the 20th century, and has been embraced in Australia through diverse cultural exchanges.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'night'. In the Australian context, it often connotes beauty, mystery, or serenity associated with the nighttime hours, and is sometimes linked with poetic or romantic imagery.
Pronunciation
'laɪˈlɑː' (Australian English pronunciation with emphasis on the second syllable) / lae-LAH / in a more anglicised pronunciation format. The stress is on the second syllable, with a long 'a' sound.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Layla
- Laila
- Leila
- Laylah (alternative spelling)
- Lailah
Nicknames
- Lily
- Lala
- Layli
Name Days
- 01 October (International Day of the Girl)
- 14 May (Māori Language Week celebrates the cultural significance of names and language in New Zealand, including Māori names)
- Eid al-Fitr (Islamic festival, observed by Muslim Australians, celebrating the end of Ramadan)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with laylah:
- Amira and Laylah
- Sophia and Laylah
- Mia and Laylah - for harmonious middle names
Fun Facts
- The name Laylah gained popularity in Australia through its association with the classical Arabic song 'Layla' by Eric Clapton and other artists.
- Laylah is a popular name choice among Australian Muslim families, reflecting cultural heritage.
- Australian authors have featured characters named Laylah in contemporary literature exploring cultural diversity.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name laylah:
- romantic
- mysterious
- artistic
- serene
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has an elegant and lyrical visual appeal, often associated with flowing scripts and poetic presentation in personal and artistic contexts in Australia.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent in metropolitan areas with diverse populations such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where multicultural and Middle Eastern communities are concentrated.
Numerological Significance
Number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and artistic pursuits, suits the poetic and mysterious qualities of the name. Astrological: Often linked with the Moon and Cancer zodiac signs, highlighting emotional depth and intuitive qualities.
Astrological Connections
The name's connection to the Moon enhances its association with emotional sensitivity and creativity, aligning with the traits of Cancerians born under the lunar influence.
Historical Context
The name features prominently in Middle Eastern poetry and lyrics, particularly in the romantic tales such as 'Layla and Majnun', a classical Arabic love story. In Australia, it is often associated with cultural identity and artistic expression among diverse communities. Some notable personalities include Australian Muslim leaders and artists with the name.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name is adaptable across many languages, with variants like Leila, Laili, and Lila used in different cultural contexts, and transliterations available in non-Latin scripts such as لَیْلَة (Arabic), ליילה (Hebrew).
Famous People Named laylah
- Laylah Anderson (Australian author)
- Laylah Harrington (Australian Muslim community leader)
- Laylah Fourie (Australian musician)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 2 |
2017 | 4 |
2016 | 3 |
2015 | 4 |
2014 | 2 |