Layla

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A feminine first name of Arabic origin, often associated with the night because it is said to mean dark
2. A girl's given name borrowed from Arabic, traditionally linked to the meaning of night or darkness
3. A female personal name of Arabic origin that is widely used across the Muslim world and in Western countries

Etymology: Layla is a given name rather than a word with a long dictionary history, and its roots lie in Arabic. It is one of many spellings of a name transliterated from Arabic, and the more common spelling in English-language sources is Leila. Because Arabic has no single fixed Roman spelling, the same name can appear as Layla, Leila, Laila, or other variants, each reflecting a different transliteration choice rather than a different name. In English, this particular spelling has become common mainly in the late twentieth century. Parents have often chosen it simply because it sounds pleasing, a motive that applies to many given names. Its meaning in Arabic is tied to the idea of night, but in English use the name is valued chiefly for its sound.