ليلى

Laila

girlArabic

Laila is a Muslim girl name meaning “Night; dark-haired beauty”.

MeaningNight; dark-haired beauty
GenderGirl
OriginArabic
Arabic spellingليلى
PronunciationLAY-lah
Arabic rootل ي ل (l-y-l) — night
Muslim name?Islamic / Arabic name

Meaning and origin of Laila

Laila is a common spelling of Laylā, a name tied to the Arabic word for night and traditionally understood to suggest dark, night-like beauty. It is famous from the Arabic love story of Laylā and Majnūn, retold by Nizami in Persian. Several women among the early Muslims also bore it, such as Laylā bint Abī Ḥathma, who took part in the migration to Abyssinia.

Is Laila a Muslim name?

Yes. Laila is an Arabic name used by Muslims for centuries, and it was borne by women in the earliest Muslim community.

Is Laila in the Quran?

The name is not in the Quran, but its root word layl (night) occurs often, as in 'By the night when it covers' (Quran 92:1).

Where is the name Laila used?

Used across the whole Muslim world; Laila is the usual spelling in South Asia and Afghanistan.

Gifts with the name Laila

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Spellings and variants of Laila

More girl names like Laila

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Laila mean?

Laila means 'Night; dark-haired beauty'. It comes from Arabic.

Is Laila a Muslim name?

Yes. Laila is an Arabic name used by Muslims for centuries, and it was borne by women in the earliest Muslim community.

How do you write Laila in Arabic?

Laila is written ليلى in Arabic script.

How do you pronounce Laila?

Laila is pronounced LAY-lah.

Is Laila mentioned in the Quran?

The name is not in the Quran, but its root word layl (night) occurs often, as in 'By the night when it covers' (Quran 92:1).

Updated October 2026 · Researched by the Modern Muslim Names team. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.