All names

Lylla

A modern diminutive-style spelling of Lily/Lila, kept for its soft, whimsical feminine tone.

#54372 sylEnglishShort & SweetModernrising_star
Swipe names like LyllaFree · no signup

Popularity over time

1900s1950s1990s
Flow
2 syllables
Pronounce

Name story

Lylla is an enchanting name that dances at the intersection of several ancient traditions. Most directly, it is a variant spelling of Lila or Leila — names with roots in both Arabic and Persian, where "layla" (ليلى) means "night" or "dark beauty," and in Sanskrit, where "lila" (लीला) means "divine play" or "the cosmic game through which the universe unfolds." These twin heritages give Lylla an unusual depth: it can simultaneously invoke the mystery of night and the joyful spontaneity of celestial creativity.

The Arabic-Persian "Layla" is perhaps best known in literature through the tragic romance of *Layla and Majnun* — the 12th-century epic by the Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, one of the great love stories of world literature, which directly influenced later European courtly romance traditions and was echoed centuries later in Eric Clapton's rock ballad *Layla* (1970). Meanwhile, the Sanskrit "lila" appears throughout Hindu philosophical texts as a term for the divine's creative self-expression, making it a name with genuine metaphysical resonance in Vedantic thought. The doubled-L and the trailing-a of "Lylla" give it a distinctly modern, whimsical visual character — softer than the more commonly seen Lila or Leila, slightly more elaborate.

It recently gained visibility as the name of a character in the *Guardians of the Galaxy* universe, endearing it to a generation of parents who seek names that feel both classical and contemporary. Lylla walks that line with considerable grace.

Names like Lylla

Liam
Irish · Liam is an Irish short form of William, from Germanic roots meaning resolute protection or determined helmet.
Olivia
Latin · Coined by Shakespeare for Twelfth Night, derived from Latin 'oliva' meaning 'olive tree,' symbol of peace.
Mia
Italian · Italian for 'mine,' also a Scandinavian pet form of Maria. Widely used across cultures.
James
Hebrew · From Hebrew 'Yaakov' (Jacob) via Late Latin 'Jacomus'; means 'supplanter.' A perennial royal name.
Henry
English · From Germanic 'heim' (home) + 'ric' (ruler), meaning 'ruler of the home.' A name of many kings.
William
English · From Germanic 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection); borne by William the Conqueror.
Evelyn
English · From Norman French 'Aveline', possibly meaning 'wished-for child' or related to the hazelnut.
Jack
English · Medieval diminutive of John via 'Jankin,' ultimately from Hebrew meaning God is gracious.
Daniel
Hebrew · From Hebrew Daniyyel meaning 'God is my judge'; an Old Testament prophet who survived the lions' den.
Samuel
Hebrew · From Hebrew Shemu'el meaning 'heard by God'; a major Old Testament prophet and judge.
Hudson
English · English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Hugh,' where Hugh derives from Germanic 'hug' meaning heart or mind.
John
Hebrew · From Hebrew Yohanan meaning 'God is gracious.' The most enduring biblical name in English-speaking history.
Harper
English · Occupational surname meaning 'harp player', from Old English hearpere.
David
Hebrew · From Hebrew Dawid meaning 'beloved'; the shepherd king of Israel who slew Goliath.
Matthew
Hebrew · From Hebrew 'Mattityahu' meaning 'gift of God'; one of the twelve apostles.

Explore more

Like Lylla?

Swipe through thousands of names like it

Start swiping