Layla sits comfortably in the UK charts at #56 in 2024 — recognisable but not overwhelming. Your child may occasionally share their name.
Origin & Meaning
Arabic — Night, dark beauty
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UK Rank 2024
#56
US Rank #37
About the Name Layla
Layla is holding steady in the rankings at #56. It reached its peak of #29 in 2012 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has spent 20 of the last 29 years inside the UK top 100 — a mark of enduring mainstream appeal.
Etymologically, Layla comes from Arabic, where it means "Night, dark beauty". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Layla is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
It ranks similarly in the US at #37, suggesting broad transatlantic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Layla
Unlikely. With around 760 UK babies named Layla per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Layla in her class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Layla has held a stable position around #56 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #29 in 2012 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Layla has Arabic origins and means "Night, dark beauty". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Layla include: Layla Almasri — Layla Almasri ( al-MAHSS-ree; Arabic: ليلى المصري, Palestinian pronunciation: [ˈleːlæ lˈmˤɑsˤri]; born 26 June 1999) is a Palestinian-American athlete...; Layla Moran — Layla Michelle Moran is a British Liberal Democrat politician.; Layla Sania — Layla Sania Khairuzikri is a Malaysian Mandopop and pop singer of Malay descent..
Layla ranks #37 in the US (2024), making it comfortably inside the American top 100. It's well-liked on both sides of the Atlantic.
760
UK babies named Layla (2024)
~0.0
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.4
In a school of 600
→ Stable
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Layla
Likely around 1 other Layla in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Layla
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Layla Almasri ( al-MAHSS-ree; Arabic: ليلى المصري, Palestinian pronunciation: [ˈleːlæ lˈmˤɑsˤri]; born 26 June 1999) is a Palestinian-American athlete specializing in middle-distance and long-distance running. In 2024, she received an invitation from the International Olympic Committee to represent Palestine in the 800 meters event at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Layla Michelle Moran is a British Liberal Democrat politician. She has served as the Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee since September 2024, and has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Oxford West and Abingdon since 2017.
Layla Sania Khairuzikri is a Malaysian Mandopop and pop singer of Malay descent. She became fluent in Mandarin Chinese as a consequence of attending a Chinese independent school from kindergarten to the secondary level.
Layla Drury is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Women's Super League club Manchester United. In January 2026, she became the youngest player and goalscorer in the club's history, surpassing records previously held by Lauren James.