Lejla

Origin

Lejla is of South Slavic origin, deriving from the Turkish name 'Leyla', which in turn comes from the Arabic name ‘Layla’ (ليلى), meaning ‘night’ or ‘dark beauty’. The name appears in various Middle Eastern and Balkan cultural contexts, often associated with romantic and poetic literature. In the Ottoman Empire, 'Leyla' was popularised through classical poetry and stories, such as the legendary love of Layla and Majnun.

Meaning

Literal translation is ‘night’ or ‘dark beauty’, reflecting qualities of mystery and allure. In Australian English contexts, it symbolises elegance and poetic romanticism, often associated with night-time imagery and cultural references.

Pronunciation

/ˈlɛɪ.lə/ (LAY-lə) in Australian English, with emphasis on the first syllable, pronounced with a long 'a' sound in first syllable and a schwa in the second.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 12 May (Layla's Day, recognised in some Islamic calendars)
• 20 December (Māori name day for Loa, a related name in Polynesian culture, representing night or darkness)
• 14 February (Valentine's Day, aligning with themes of love and romance)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with lejla:

• Aiden and Lejla
• Thomas and Lejla
• Samuel and Lejla

Fun Facts

• The name Lejla gained popularity in Australian multicultural communities in the early 2000s.
• Lejla is a common name among Australian youth with Balkan heritage, often chosen for its poetic sound.
• In Australian pop culture, variations of 'Layla' have appeared in musical references, inspired by Eric Clapton's famous song 'Layla'.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name lejla:

• Romantic
• Poetic
• Mystical
• Elegant

Aesthetic Qualities

The name’s soft vowels and flowing consonants render it aesthetically pleasing, often used in poetic or artistic contexts within Australian multicultural expressions.

Geographical Distribution

More common in metropolitan Australian areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, especially among communities with Balkan, Middle Eastern, or North African backgrounds.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 (if calculated using Pythagorean numerology), associated with introspection, spirituality, and intellect, fitting for a poetic and culturally rich name.

Astrological Connections

Possibly linked to the zodiac sign Scorpio, given the mystical connotations of night and darkness, and themes of depth and passion inherent in the name.

Historical Context

The name Lejla is inspired by the legendary love story of Layla and Majnun, foundational in Middle Eastern poetry, influencing Australian multicultural literature and storytelling. It is embraced by communities with Balkan, Middle Eastern, and North African heritage in Australia.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts into various scripts, maintaining phonetic consistency in Latin, Cyrillic, and Arabic scripts, with transliterations adjusting for pronunciation nuances in different languages.

Famous People Named lejla

• Lejla Hamidović (Bosnian-Australian artist)
• Lejla Dede (Macedonian-Australian author)
• Lejla Džino (Bosnian-Australian singer)

Popularity in Australia