The name Layla is derived from the Arabic word for "night," giving it a dark and mysterious (yet hopeful) vibe. It was popularized by the 12th century poem "Layla and Majnun" by Qays, which was the inspiration behind the 1970 song "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos. Layla first appeared in the Social Security Administration's top 1,000 for girl names in 1972 before cracking the top-200 for the first time in 2003. It has now been a top-30 girl's name every year since 2013 and is the name "The Real Housewives of New York City" star Erin Lichy gave her daughter. Other parents prefer Laylah, Laylah, Leyla or Laylani.
