Lela
Fact sheet
- Name
- Lela
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Lela is a female first name that is considered an English variant of Leila or Layla.
What does the name Lela mean?
The name Lela, an English variant of Leila and Layla, is translated as 'the night.' More freely interpreted, it can also mean 'the dark one' or 'the beauty of the night.' The origin of the name lies in the Arabic word lailā (لَيْلَى) or layla (لَيْلَة), which also means 'the night.' Additionally, Lela (ლელა) comes from Georgian, where its exact meaning is unclear; it may refer to a specific type of plant. In Old South Slavic, it serves as a diminutive of Malela, meaning 'the little one,' and in Galician, it is used as a pet form of Manuela. The spelling Léla, on the other hand, comes from the Hungarian word lélek, meaning 'the soul.' The name became known through the protagonist of the ancient Arabic tale 'Laila and Majnun,' which is considered the equivalent of 'Romeo and Juliet' in the Arab world. Other variants of the name include Laila, Lailah, Leyla, Leilah, Laylah, Elayla, Lejla, Layli, Elaila, Lyla, Lylah, Lila, Lilah, Elila, and Lelah.
Where does the name Lela come from?
The origin of the name Lela is Arabic, and it means 'the night.' The Arabic
How do you pronounce Lela?
The pronunciation of Lela is two syllables and gentle. In German, the name is typically pronounced as 'Le-la' [ˈleːla], starting with a long E sound that conveys brightness. The open A at the end gives the sound warmth. These characteristics make Lela a harmonious and friendly name that sounds feminine, calm, and balanced.
When is the name day of Lela?
Lela celebrates her name day on August 18 and November 15.
Popularity
In Germany, Lela is among the popular first names. Currently, it ranks 1,630th on the list of most common female first names. Its best placement was in 2006 at rank 906. In the last ten years, Lela has been given as a first name about 210 times, which catapults it to 1,551st place in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,600th. A look at global popularity shows Lela's rankings in the first name charts of various countries.
Nicknames & pet names
Le / Lele / Lelica
Similar first names
Famous people
- Lela B. Njatin (writer from Slovenia)
- Lela Bliss (American actress)
- Lela Chichinadze (footballer from Georgia)
- Lela Erlenwein (Guatemalan artist)
- Lela Ivey (American actress)
- Lela Lee (American actress)
- Lela Margaret Cole Kitson (American writer)
- Lela Rochon (American actress)
- Lela Rose (designer from America)
- Lela Tsurtsumia (Georgian singer)
- Lela Viola Barton (American botanist)
Frequently asked questions about the name Lela
What is the meaning of the name Lela?
The name Lela means 'the night' and can also be interpreted as 'the dark one' or 'the beauty of the night.' It is derived from the Arabic word lailā (لَيْلَى).
Where does the name Lela come from?
Lela has Arabic roots and is widespread in various languages such as Georgian, Galician, and Persian.
How popular is the name Lela?
The popularity of the name Lela varies by region, but it is appreciated and known in many countries, especially in the Arab world.