Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Lyla

The name Lyla has three possible and quite disparate etymological origins. The first and most commonly considered is that Lyla developed as a feminine twist on the Scottish surname Lyle. Lyle comes from the Anglo-Norman word “l’isle” meaning ‘island.’ Therefore, Lyla has come to mean ‘island girl.’ The other origin is from the Arabic name Leila which means “night.” By using Leila as a given name (in the convention of indicating the quality or character of the daughter), it has come to mean “dark beauty” or “one who was born at night.” Lastly, Lyla could be considered a pet form for the Hebrew name Delilah (Samson’s mistress in the Bible) which means ‘one who weakened or impoverished another.’ This is in reference to the story of Samson and Delilah whereby she betrays him by cutting off his hair while he is asleep (his hair was the source of his strength). It’s not clear where or when the name Lyla came into use.

All About the Baby Name – Lyla

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME LYLA

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME LYLA

In the United States Lyla has been in use since before the turn of the 20th century (more than 100 years ago). It shows up on the American popularity charts very sporadically and at low levels of usage until the mid-1940s. After that, the name disappears completely from the charts for 60 years, apparently destined into obscurity. But wait. In the year 2005, Lyla rears her lovely face again on the charts. This time, she comes back with a vengeance. The name makes some serious leaps and bounds on the charts in five short years (about 850 positions up the list of most commonly used girl’s names). Her dizzying and triumphant return to the charts is clearly mimicking the other Comeback Kids in the “L” category of names: Lily, Layla, Leila and Lydia. It’s dainty, it’s pretty and it’s loaded with antique charm. Lyla is easily spelled, easily spoken and an all-around lovely name. Even though the name could have Scottish, Arabic or Hebrew origins, it still does not feel markedly ethnic in any way. This is a name on an “island” by itself.

Quick Facts

ON LYLA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Arabic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

153

PRONUNCIATION:

LIE-la

SIMPLE MEANING:

Island girl, dark beauty, or one who weakens another

Characteristics

OF LYLA

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Lyla

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LYLA

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LYLA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Lyla


Popular Songs

ON LYLA

Lyla
a song by Oasis

Famous People

NAMED LYLA

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Lyla.

Children of Famous People

NAMED LYLA

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LYLA

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