Layla
Say it: LAY-la/ˈleɪlə/
GirlMeans usually explained as "night"5 letters2 syllables
#60
in Ireland (2025)
83
babies in 2025
#44
best rank (2016)
2,220
babies since 1983
Down 14
10-year rank change
Layla through the years
Compare with another name →Show the numbers
| Year | Babies (girls) | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 83 | #60 |
| 2024 | 79 | #69 |
| 2023 | 90 | #65 |
| 2022 | 91 | #59 |
| 2021 | 122 | #48 |
| 2020 | 96 | #56 |
| 2019 | 105 | #55 |
| 2018 | 111 | #57 |
| 2017 | 135 | #45 |
| 2016 | 135 | #44 |
| 2015 | 135 | #46 |
| 2014 | 130 | #51 |
| 2013 | 125 | #58 |
| 2012 | 160 | #45 |
| 2011 | 134 | #54 |
| 2010 | 150 | #50 |
| 2009 | 100 | #74 |
| 2008 | 62 | #106 |
| 2007 | 47 | #127 |
| 2006 | 31 | #161 |
| 2005 | 26 | #173 |
| 2004 | 14 | #257 |
| 2003 | 15 | #233 |
| 2002 | 10 | #312 |
| 2001 | 5 | #441 |
| 2000 | 4 | #465 |
| 1999 | 3 | #527 |
| 1997 | 4 | #496 |
| 1995 | 6 | #384 |
| 1993 | 3 | #516 |
| 1989 | 3 | #503 |
| 1985 | 3 | #519 |
| 1983 | 3 | #529 |
Source: CSO, Irish Babies' Names (VSA50, VSA60), CC BY 4.0.
★ What does Layla mean?
Usually explained as "night"
Arabic, one of several English spellings of the name also written Leila.
Say it right
LAYla
The story of Layla
Layla is one of several English spellings of an Arabic name, also written Leila, Laila and Leyla. It is usually connected with the Arabic word for night. The name is known across the Middle East and beyond through the old Arab love story of Layla and Majnun, later retold by Persian poets.
It came into English use through nineteenth-century literature. Since the late twentieth century many parents have chosen this spelling simply for its sound. It is also the title of a well-known 1970 rock song by Derek and the Dominos.
In Ireland Layla first reached the CSO list in 1983 and took off in the late 2000s. It had its biggest year in 2012, with 160 girls. Its best rank came in 2016, at number 44. The CSO counts other spellings, such as Leila and Lyla, separately. In Northern Ireland its best place was 62nd, in 2019.
Say it differently where you're from, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Sources
- Wiktionary: Layla (English proper noun)
- Wiktionary: Leila (English proper noun)
- Wikipedia: Leila (name)
- CSO VSA60, Girls Names in Ireland with 3 or More Occurrences
- NISRA, Baby Names in Northern Ireland
At a glance
Similar names
Sibling ideas
Spellings counted here
| Spelling | 2025 | All years |
|---|---|---|
| Layla | 83 | 2,220 |
In Northern Ireland
#68 in 2025 with 30 babies. Best rank #62 (2019); 497 babies since 2004.
Source: NISRA, Open Government Licence.