Layla

The feminine name Layla is a fitting choice for the little one who'll be as wondrous to you as a star-filled sky. Though variants like Leila, Leyla, and Laila have arisen, Layla is this moniker's original spelling. Deriving from the Arabic element lyl, Layla means "night," painting a peaceful image of the time when the sky is dark and the world is at rest. Though the late-night hours will likely be your busiest during sweet Layla's first weeks and months, they'll also provide plenty of opportunities for lullabies, sleepy smiles, and cuddles!

Musicians Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon penned the haunting song “Layla” in the 1970s, and it's a melody that several members of The Bump community associate with Layla. One user, J9bondgirl, shares, "I would go with Layla because of the Clapton song." If you're choosing between this moniker's many spelling variations, you'll appreciate the perspective of The Bump user wanderlustsoul, who says, "I've seen Layla spelled every way. It's a beautiful name whichever spelling you use."

Fun Facts About the Name Layla

• Layla's American success: Layla is incredibly popular in the United States. According to the SSA's official naming data, it has solidified its place among the Top 100 as a modern favorite. It is one of the most successful Arabic-origin names in American history, experiencing a wave of popularity over the last two decades.
• Layla and Majnun, the Romeo and Juliet of West Asia: Long before it arrived in the West, Layla starred in the 7th-century tragic romance Layla and Majnun, written by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. It is the ultimate tale of unrequited, epic love and absolute devotion, where a young poet becomes so consumed by his love for Layla that he is nicknamed Majnun ("possessed" or "madman"). The timeless story may have helped Layla spread across the globe.
• Layla's rock legend association: In 1970, rock legend Eric Clapton (with his band Derek and the Dominos) released the iconic anthem "Layla." Clapton was inspired to write the song after reading Layla and Majnun, using this tale of forbidden love to express his real-life pining for Pattie Boyd (who was married to his friend George Harrison at the time). The track became one of the greatest rock songs of all time and officially put Layla on the map for Western parents.