All about the name

Leela

Female

« Leela is a captivating feminine name derived from Sanskrit, meaning 'divine play' or 'sport of the gods,' signifying joyfulness, creativity, and divine inspiration. »

#1278 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Leela is a unique and captivating feminine given name that originates from the Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, Leela means "divine play" or "sport of the gods". This interpretation suggests a sense of joyfulness, creativity, and divine inspiration associated with the name. The name Leela has a rich history rooted in Hindu mythology and culture. It is often used to refer to the playful and mischievous acts of the Hindu god Krishna, who was known for his divine pastimes or "leelas". Some popular leelas include lifting Mount Govardhan to protect the inhabitants from a thunderstorm, stealing butter from the homes of the village women, and dancing with the milkmaids. Leela is also associated with the concept of lila in Hindu philosophy, which embodies the idea that the universe and all its events are the play or sport of the divine. This notion emphasizes the interconnectedness of everything in the cosmos and the presence of divinity within every aspect of life. In various Indian languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, and Kannada, Leela is often used as a female given name. It has gained popularity beyond India's borders due to its unique meaning and cultural significance. Parents who choose this name for their daughters may wish to honor Hindu traditions or simply appreciate the appealing sound and meaning of Leela. Overall, Leela is an enchanting name with deep-rooted origins in Hinduism and a beautiful interpretation that signifies divine playfulness and creativity. It offers a compelling choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Leela since 1880

Total births
4,184
Total since 1880
Peak year
2016
232 births
in 2023
179
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+2%
vs previous 5 years