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Baby names

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

Original poster

Lara or Lila?

44 replies

AnotherEmma1989 · 10/08/2025 21:12

We just cannot decide. I also love Martha but husband isn’t as keen. Would love to see others preferences and views on these names. May help me decide.

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Todaystoast · 10/08/2025 21:13

I love Lara (and also Martha).

NightPuffins · 10/08/2025 21:13

Lara, absolutely, it’s such a beautiful name!

Pinepeak2434 · 10/08/2025 21:15

I don’t like Lara - I find it harsh and it reminds me of the name Tara, which again I’m not keen on. I think Lila is softer sounding.

floatybe · 10/08/2025 21:16

I really like Lara and have a family member called this.

Lila feels too close to Lily which is over used at the moment.

17caterpillars1mouse · 10/08/2025 21:18

Not a fan if Lila at all, it feels very wishy washy.

Lara is lovely though, has a fiesty feel to it

17caterpillars1mouse · 10/08/2025 21:18

Not a fan if Lila at all, it feels very wishy washy.

Lara is lovely though, has a fiesty feel to it

AnnetteFlix · 10/08/2025 21:19

Lara. I don't know how anyone can think it sounds harsh - it starts with a lah sound.

Is Lila pronounced Lyla or Leela?

Original poster
AnotherEmma1989 · 10/08/2025 21:22

AnnetteFlix · 10/08/2025 21:19

Lara. I don't know how anyone can think it sounds harsh - it starts with a lah sound.

Is Lila pronounced Lyla or Leela?

It would be pronounced ‘ly-lah’

Really appreciate all the responses.

OP posts:
KimGa · 10/08/2025 21:23

No spelling or pronunciation mistakes for Lara, can’t say the same about Lila.

DramaAlpaca · 10/08/2025 21:24

Lara; it's stronger and feistier. The complete opposite of Lila.

Norastroud · 10/08/2025 21:25

I prefer Lara but also really like Martha!

BoleynMemories13 · 10/08/2025 21:26

I quite like Lila but Lara definitely trumps it. I agree with it being 'feistier'.

I dislike Martha. It sounds very straight-laced and dull to me.

Giddykiddy · 10/08/2025 21:27

I prefer Lara - i only know one Lara and she's fabulous

Icanttakethisanymore · 10/08/2025 21:27

KimGa · 10/08/2025 21:23

No spelling or pronunciation mistakes for Lara, can’t say the same about Lila.

You say that… but in my experience, everyone call you Laura (unbelievably!)

HerdMentality · 10/08/2025 21:28

Lara or Martha are more beautiful and classic. Lyla is good but feels more trendy if that makes sense.

Scottishlass9 · 10/08/2025 21:29

Lara every time

Moreteaandchocolate · 10/08/2025 21:30

Lara is just gorgeous and you don’t meet many.

Lila is also lovely but is popular / trendy and has different spellings / pronunciations

Ashley911 · 10/08/2025 21:32

Liara or Lyra I like

twobabiesandapup · 10/08/2025 21:33

I’m voting for Lila because that’s my little girl’s name so I’m biased, our girl’s name is spelt Lilah though because we (I) felt it looked softer and sweeter with the H at the end

Astrabees · 10/08/2025 21:33

Layla is nice too.

jackstini · 10/08/2025 21:34

Prefer Lara, also love Lana

My friend has a Lila - but pronounced ‘Lee-la’ rather than the ‘Lyla’ sound you want - so you may get a mix of how it is said

hauntedcow · 10/08/2025 21:48

Lila 😍

EmiliaRuusuvuori · 10/08/2025 21:51

Lara is lovely, it's pretty but also feisty.

OopsieeDaisy · 10/08/2025 21:52

Definitely Lara! It’s a lovely name.

Lila in all its different spellings is overdone where I live and is also considered quite a chavvy name.

notatinydancer · 10/08/2025 21:56

Lara , also like Lyra.

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