Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Lila

The name Lila is a simplified spelling of Leila, a name of Arabic origin meaning “night.” As a result, the usage of the name has come to mean “dark beauty” or “one who was born at night.” Lila is also another form of the Indian name Leela which in Sanskrit means ‘play, amorous sport’ derived from Lila/Leela, a Hindu philosophy recognizing the universe as a playground of the gods. On another note, Lila is sometimes considered a pet form of the Hebrew name Delilah (Samson’s mistress in the Bible) which means ‘one who weakened or impoverished another.’ In the story of Samson and Delilah, Delilah, one of the Bible’s few temptresses, betrays Samson by cutting off his hair while he is asleep. Since Samson’s hair was the source of his strength and power, Delilah is guilty of ‘weakening’ him hence her name. It’s not clear where or when the name Lila came into use but it’s clearly been adopted by many ethnicities, geographies, languages and religions. A truly universal name.

All About the Baby Name – Lila

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME LILA

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME LILA

Lila is another example of sweet, old-fashioned girls’ names making a comeback (think Emma, Ava, Ella and Lily). At the turn of the 20th century (over 100 years ago), Lila enjoyed moderately high usage but as the decades persisted, the name slowly went out of fashion. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Lila is completely erased from our memories, and from the charts. The name makes a triumphant return in 1998 and quickly ascends the charts to not only reclaim her former glory, but to surpass it. In a little more than 10 years, the name advances over 800 positions. Today it is lingering ever-so-closer to a Top 100 spot on the charts and it’s already a top favorite in the Northeast, specifically Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont. Lila is an elegant, more sophisticated alternative to the “cute” Lily. It’s a beautiful name by the very virtue of its simplicity and modesty. We also adore the “playfulness” of its Hindu etymology.

Quick Facts

ON LILA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Arabic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

192

PRONUNCIATION:

LIE-la

SIMPLE MEANING:

Dark beauty, playful, or one who weakens another

Characteristics

OF LILA

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Lila

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LILA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Lila

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LILA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Lila


Popular Songs

ON LILA

Lila
a song by Bright Eyes

Famous People

NAMED LILA

Lila Downs (Mexican singer)
Lila Lee (actress)
Lila McCann (country music singer)
Lila Kedrova (French actress)
Lila Bell Wallace (co-founder of the Reader's Digest)

Children of Famous People

NAMED LILA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Lila

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LILA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Lila