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Lila

Girl name · 197 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Lila: 197 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 17 births in 2025.

Lila is a name with a gentle, melodious quality, found in multiple cultures. Its most common origin for English speakers is Arabic, where 'Layla' means "night," and the name is often associated with the beauty and mystery of the night. A related Sanskrit root gives it the meaning "play" or "divine play" in Hindu philosophy. The name gained fame through the tragic 7th-century Arabic love story of 'Layla and Majnun', a tale of intense, unrequited passion. Musician Eric Clapton famously paid tribute to his infant daughter with the song "Layla," though not in direct association with the name. The variant 'Layla' is the most common spelling in Scotland, but 'Lila' has a softer, distinct charm while sharing the same lovely roots.

Girl 21 of 52 years

Peak year
202517 babies
Latest (2025)
#21717 babies
Total births
197since 2004
5-year trend
▲ 37%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2025 · 17
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).