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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Leila?

40 replies

Nell96 · 09/03/2021 07:49

Opinions on Leila? Pronounced Layla, but much prefer Leila as a spelling. DH loves the name. I like it, but have reservations...

Is it too popular? Do you know any?

Will it just get mixed up with Lola, Lila, Lyra, Luna etc.?

Is it a bit too girly / frilly? Ideally, I'd prefer something a bit stronger sounding.

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partyatthepalace · 09/03/2021 15:32

Definitely best spelt Leila, which is usually pronounced Layla as you say - but yes - I think it does muddle up with the endless Lola, Lara, Lyra, Lilas, Lucys and Lilys plus you will be forever correcting either spelling or pronunciation or both (as you can see from above) so I would try and find something else if you can.

If you want an L name how about Lois - underused and stands out more, or Stella, Estella, Christa, Adela, Fernanda, Cassia if you want an A ending

KirstenBlest · 09/03/2021 13:08

The arabic name is Laila - rhymes with Isla. I know a Leila and she says it as Leela. I don't like the Layla, Lila and Lyla spellings.

MeadowHay · 09/03/2021 12:30

I like it, I will be considering it for ours, with the view that it's an Arabic name. However I know it's popular with people of all cultural backgrounds. I prefer the Layla spelling personally but I'd still pronounce your spelling the same.

Squeakerfoot · 09/03/2021 12:29

I like it a lot and like it spelled Leila too. It's pretty but not frilly. I do know three aged under 5 though (all with the Layla spelling).

Ismellphantoms · 09/03/2021 12:01

Family member and friend, both Leila. Pronounced Lee-la. If you want a specific pronunciation, spell it accordingly.

CanofCant · 09/03/2021 12:00

Love it. I knew a fantastic Leila once.

SeanChailleach · 09/03/2021 11:51

If I saw the spelling Leila, I would think it was maybe an Indian or Arabic name. I've met several women with that name that spelling all Arabic/ Persian linguistic heritage. I've never heard anyone pronounce that Lee-la.
Layla, spelled like that, is a popular name in Scotland at least it seems so to me.
I love the name and the Clapton song is an anthem without having any dodgy lyrics to worry about.

MuddleMoo · 09/03/2021 09:02

I'd pronounce it Lee-la

Enidblyton1 · 09/03/2021 08:46

I like the name, but would definitely pronounce it Lie-la. (I’ve known a Leila who pronounces it this way for 40 years). I’ve never come across the way you want to pronounce it.

DizSquiz · 09/03/2021 08:42

I knew a Leila, it's a nice name.
Spell it how you want to ☺️

Roselilly36 · 09/03/2021 08:41

I like it, I prefer the sp. Layla, just because, it’s written as it’s pronounced, if I saw the name sp. as Leila, I wouldn’t assume the name was pronounced Layla. I would think Lee la or Lie la.

I had a friend who was called Layla, she was absolutely lovely, probably in her mid 40’s now. Sadly we lost touch.

Perhaps a little old fashioned, popular due to the Eric Clapton song Layla in 70’s of course.

Good luck OP.

MercyBodle · 09/03/2021 08:39

'grows on'

MercyBodle · 09/03/2021 08:38

I like it. I have the same reservations as you though: it's quite popular, and there are a lot of similar sounding names, a little on the frilly side and I prefer stronger sounding names. That said, there's nothing wrong with it, and I like the Leila spelling too.

If it doesn't grow on you don't use it just because your DH loves it. Suggest that you use something you love ... and wait to see if it grow on him!

Merename · 09/03/2021 08:24

I don’t like names like this where the spelling is so ambiguous. I don’t dislike the name but there are so many permutations and that can make it stressful speaking to someone when you may get it wrong. I would pronounce your spelling Lee-la.

BlindMedusa · 09/03/2021 08:19

It's my favourite name in the world I love it! I prefer the spelling Layla but Leila is just as beautiful and I don't think it will get mixed up or lost with any of those names. I also dont think its too frilly.