Lela

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Lela

Gender Girl
Origin Spanish
Letters 4
Syllables 2
Pronunciation LEE-luh

Lela, which has 4 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Spanish origin.

Meaning of Lela

Lofty

Lela is a name of Arabic origin, meaning "night beauty" or "dark beauty." It is also a variation of the name Leila and can also be spelled Lyla.

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Meaning Lofty
Origin Spanish
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #952 in 1973 Rising
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Vintage (1900s)

Background & History of The Name Lela

Lela is a feminine given name of various origins and meanings. It has different cultural and linguistic associations, making it a versatile name choice for parents around the world. In terms of etymology, Lela is derived from several sources, including Hebrew, Swahili, and Greek.

In Hebrew, Lela is a variation of the name Leah, which means "weary" or "delicate." Leah is a biblical name, belonging to the eldest daughter of Laban, who became the first wife of the patriarch Jacob in the Old Testament. Lela can also be seen as a Swahili name, where it means "black beauty." It represents African origins and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of East Africa.

Furthermore, Lela has connections to the Greek language, where it is believed to be a diminutive form of the name Penelope. Penelope, in Greek mythology, was the wife of Odysseus and renowned for her fidelity and cleverness. As a diminutive, Lela retains some of the qualities associated with Penelope, such as strength and intelligence.

Across different cultures and languages, Lela has gained recognition as a contemporary given name that exudes elegance and uniqueness. Its phonetic simplicity and melodic sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both familiar and distinctive.

In conclusion, Lela is a name with diverse origins and meanings. Whether inspired by biblical tales, African heritage, or Greek mythology, it represents strength, beauty, and delicacy. Its usage spans across cultural boundaries, allowing Lela to leave an indelible mark in different parts of the world.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Lela over the years.

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