Alternatives to Layla

Both powerful and pretty, with a melodic sound, Aaliyah joins Layla, Lila, Dana, and Farrah as a name of Arabic origin that is also popular in the English-speaking world.

Aida is a melodic name largely associated with the title character of the 1871 Verdi opera, an enslaved Ethiopian princess who dies to save her people. In the past, her name was rarely heard outside the Latino community, but in the current time of love for all A-starting girls' names, this could very well change.

Aisha was Muhammad's favorite wife, making this lovely name and its myriad variations hugely popular among Muslims and also African-Americans. It's been energized by TV personality Aisha Tyler. Pronunciation is usually eye-EE-sha but some say ay-sha.

Alaya has connections as a Buddhist term, and it could be a creative coinage, based on similarities to names like Alayna and Layla. In Buddhism, Alaya refers to the base consciousness—all of our memories, ideas, and desires. It's a lofty concept, and an attractive name, slowly on the rise since entering the US Top 1000 in 2009.

Alayla is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant spelling of Alaila or Alayah, which themselves are contemporary elaborations of Alaya, meaning 'highborn' or 'exalted' in Arabic. Alternatively, it could be a creative spelling of Aleila, with Hebrew roots meaning 'to ascend.' The name has gained modest popularity in the 21st century, fitting with the trend toward melodic names with the popular 'ayla' sound, similar to Kayla, Layla, and Makayla. Alayla has a flowing, musical quality with its three syllables and alternating consonants and vowels. Its exotic feel combined with relatively straightforward pronunciation makes it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible for their daughters.

Lilting African name that translates perfectly into other cultures.

The Spanish form of Amaya is both a given name and a surname, originating from the Spanish mountain and village of Amaya. In this context it means "mother city" or "the capital." Amaya can also be considered a derivation of Amaia, a Basque name meaning "the end." In Japan, Amaya is a surname.

Bright, fresh, and sunny, Ayla is a fashionable choice for girls. Reminiscent of other trending names such as Layla, Isla, and Ava, Ayla has recently found its place in the Top 100.

Bailey -- a jaunty surname -- was first used for a female TV character in 1978 in the show WKRP in Cincinnaati, then caught on big time. Bailey's still an appealing choice, though, and a celebrity fave. Parents of daughters named Bailey include Scot Baio and Stella McCartney.

Calla is a botanical name that is much more distinctive than popular Lily or similar Callie. Rarely heard today, it did appear in the popularity lists in the last decades of the nineteenth century.

Cayla is a feminine name with multiple origin theories. Most commonly, it's considered a modern variant of Kayla, which itself derives from the Irish Gaelic name Caoilainn, meaning 'slim and fair.' Alternatively, it may be a variation of the Hebrew name Michaela, meaning 'who is like God.' The distinctive spelling with 'C' emerged in popularity during the late 20th century as parents sought unique variations of familiar names. Cayla gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, appreciated for its soft sound and contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. The name conveys a sense of feminine grace and modern simplicity while remaining recognizable and accessible.

A feminine form of the mid-century Dale, or a form of the botanical name Dahlia.

Melodic and lively, Delilah has cut itself (mostly) free from its treacherous past to become a contemporary favorite.

This lovely Top 100 Turkish name is related to the Arabic Asra or Isra.

Eulalia is a melodious name with a southern drawl, thanks to those lilting double Ls.

Eyla is a short, melodic feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Isla (Scottish for 'island'), Ayla (Turkish for 'moonlight' or Hebrew for 'oak tree'), or Ella (Germanic for 'fairy maiden'). The name's simplicity and soft sound have made it increasingly popular in recent years as parents seek short, distinctive names with international appeal. Eyla combines contemporary style with a timeless quality. Though still relatively uncommon in most countries, its usage has been growing gradually, especially in Scandinavian regions and among parents drawn to names with nature connections.

A strong and simple nature name from the Choctaw culture.

Floral, bright, and subtly powerful, Gaia is a name with two separate origins. In Greek mythology, it is the name of the earth goddess and the universal mother, who takes her epithet from the Ancient Greek word for land or ground. It was this ecological element that led actress Emma Thompson to choose it for her daughter back in 1999, and it could hold similar appeal to green minded parents today.

Festive name of the wife of Salvador Dali. In Spanish, Gala comes from the Roman name Galla, a feminine form of Gallus meaning "rooster" or "a person from Gaul".

Like the masculine form Galileo, Galilea is a variant of Galilee, a region in Northern Israel of great Biblical significance. Given the current popularity of soft Italian girls’ names, this name’s long historical roots, its beautiful sound and the potential for cute nicknames (Leia, Lil, Ally, etc) it’s no surprise that this name has been on the rise in recent years.