Leilan is a unique and beautiful name of Persian origin. It is composed of two elements: "leyli" which means "night" in Persian, and "-an", a suffix that denotes belonging or relationship.
The name Leilan has a rich history rooted in ancient Persian literature and mythology. In the Shahnameh, the national epic of Persia written by Ferdowsi, there is a character named Leyli who falls deeply in love with Majnun, a poet known for his passionate and obsessive love for her. Their tragic love story has captivated audiences for centuries and has become one of the most well-known tales in Persian literature.
In addition to its literary significance, Leilan also carries cultural and historical importance in Persia. The name Leyli is often associated with beauty, grace, and intelligence, reflecting the qualities of the character in the Shahnameh. As such, it has been bestowed upon many notable figures throughout history, including queens, poets, and scholars.
Today, Leilan remains a popular choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Its unique sound and rich history make it an appealing option for those looking to honor Persian culture or literature. Despite its origins, Leilan is not limited by them; it can be given to children of any nationality or background, serving as a reminder of the universal themes of love and devotion that it embodies.
The name Leilan has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past two decades, with an overall total of 152 babies born with this name between 2006 and 2023.
The peak years for the name were 2017 and 2018, when it was given to 14 and 8 newborns respectively. Interestingly, there were no recorded births with the name Leilan in 2016 or 2020.
Despite its limited popularity, the number of babies named Leilan has fluctuated over time, with some years seeing more than double the number of births compared to others. For example, while only 5 babies were named Leilan in both 2006 and 2021, there were 14 births in 2017.
This data suggests that while Leilan may not be a highly popular name choice for parents in the United States, it has still been chosen by at least some families each year since 2006. Additionally, the fact that the number of births with this name varies year to year indicates that it is not simply being driven by trends or fads, but rather reflects individual parental choices.
Overall, while Leilan may be an uncommon choice for a baby's name in the United States, it remains an option for parents looking for something unique and distinctive.