Thoughts on Layla

[Snoopy90]

Just wondering what people think of Layla?

We're really struggling to name out new baby girl. I was set on either Saskia or Anastasia but can't convience partner. He really wants India which I like but don't love it.

We both like Layla. But I think it's quite popular atm which is putting me off a bit, I really wanted something a bit more unusual. Also, do you think it would suit an adult? Thanks!

Leila can be pronounced either Lee-la (rhymes with Sheila) or Layla. My daughter has the first pronunciation as it’s been a family name in my family for at least 150 years, possibly longer and that’s the way that it’s been pronounced by my decidedly non-Arabic Yorkshire ancestors. Maybe my great great aunt was named after a character in a book or a play or a song ? It seems unlikely that the Arabic meaning/pronunciation would have been known to them, being staunch Methodists? I was surprised when people started assuming my daughter is called Layla as i’d never associated the two names together. She just corrects people and gets on with it! Looks like there’s a new series on Netflix called ‘Leila’ so it may get more popular. I think it’s top 100 rather than top 20, though.

Doesn’t sound nice to me sorry

Lovely name and classic brilliant song of course ;9)

Lovely name. I do know a couple and both have Middle Eastern origins. I like Saskia and Anastasia too. India has unpleasant colonial associations to me.

I'm a Leila (pron. Lay-la) and I'm 30 now. It definitely wasn't a popular name when I was younger!

Thoughts...

1. People will pronounce it wrong a lot if they're reading it written down. I get Ly-la and Lee-la a lot. Lala once .
2. People ALWAYS sing the Eric Clapton song but I really don't mind it. A lot of people do the 'Layyyyyy-la, dun dun dun' then say 'I bet you get that a lot'. It's funny. And it's a good song! Sometimes people sing Lola by The Kinks...that's less funny when you read the lyrics.
3. I never got bullied for it. The only thing it really rhymes with that's negative is 'Whaler'. My nickname was Leyland Daf at primary school (like the lorries) but it's not exactly hurtful.
4. It also semi-rhymes with 'Failer' which is what my best friends call me. Leila Failer .
5. I get a lot of attention in Arabic countries when they find out my name, but it's not negative - mostly just excited conversations about whether I have Arabic heritage (I don't).

So, it's maybe becoming a little more popular, but it's definitely not going to ever be a Top 100 name (and I love it!).

I stand corrected - PP have discussed it's popularity. I really don't hear it that often though and when I do, it's always a surprise!

Not a fan at all personally, but if you both like it then go for it!

@le1la exactly same experience as you! Never realised it had became popular till saw cards and keyring etc with Layla on. All that time I wanted one growing up and never could find.. Now.. Dreams come true lol.

Lovely name but three in my dd’s class in a small village school.

I was in two minds about clicking this thread - my DD is Layla and I was worried people would say mean things and I would get offended! I think its a beautiful name. I love the song, I think it has a beautiful meaning and origin.
Its not too popular where I am. In the whole primary school I only know of one other Layla. I say use it!