Origin
The name Leylah is a variant spelling of Leila, which originates from the Arabic name عَلَيَّة (ʻAlayya), meaning 'night' or 'dark beauty'. It became popular in various cultures due to its poetic and romantic connotations. In Australia, the name gained popularity through multicultural influences, especially in communities with Middle Eastern heritage. Although not an Aboriginal or Māori name, it has been embraced across Australia's diverse cultural landscape.
Meaning
'Night' or 'dark beauty' in Arabic, often associated with poetic elegance and allure in Australian English contexts. The name evokes images of serenity, mystery, and elegance.
Pronunciation
'leɪ-lə' (Australian English pronunciation with emphasis on the first syllable, soft 'a' as in 'day')**}**; this pronunciation is commonly used across Australian regions.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Layla
- Laila
- Lejla
- Laleh
Nicknames
- Leil
- Lila
- Leli
Name Days
- 10 May (Feast of St. Leila, recognised by some Christian communities)
- Throughout the year (cultural celebrations reflecting Middle Eastern heritage)
- Personal or family celebrations
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with leylah:
- Leilah and Amir
- Leilah and Daniel
- Leilah and Marcus
Fun Facts
- Leilah is a popular name in Australian multicultural suburbs, especially among Lebanese, Egyptian, and other Middle Eastern communities.
- The spelling 'Leilah' often appears on Australian baby name lists due to its phonetic appeal and cultural significance.
- Leilah is occasionally associated with poetic literature in Australia, with local poets referencing the name in works celebrating diversity.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name leylah:
- Elegant
- Poetic
- Mysterious
- Culturally rich
- Sensitive
Aesthetic Qualities
The name Leilah is visually elegant with its flowing vowels and soft consonants, often associated with poetic and artistic aesthetics in Australian media and design.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban areas of New South Wales and Victoria, especially in suburbs with significant Middle Eastern populations, but increasingly widespread across Australia.
Numerological Significance
'6' (based on Pythagorean numerology), often associated with harmony, nurturing, and artistic expression in astrological interpretations in Australia.
Astrological Connections
'6' in numerology, symbolising harmony and family, typical in intuitive astrological readings in Australian practices, with the name associated with nurturing qualities.
Historical Context
While the name Leila has ancient roots in Middle Eastern poetry and literature, it gained new cultural relevance in Australia during the late 20th and early 21st centuries as the nation's demographic landscape diversified. It is sometimes found in contemporary Australian literature highlighting multicultural narratives.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, retaining its phonetic charm in English, Arabic, Persian, and other languages. Commonly transliterated as Leila or Laila in international contexts.
Famous People Named leylah
- Leilah de Meza (Australian actress)
- Leilah Waddell (Australian artist)
- Leilah Cousins (Australian writer)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2015 | 2 |