Layla or Leila? | Mumsnet (2024)

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GentlePoet · 30/05/2024 01:28

Or another spelling? I’ve seen Layla, Leila, Laila, Leyla, Leylah, Laylah. I think I prefer Layla or Leila but can’t decide which. Also seen Laela but that looks too made up (because it is) so it isn’t really an option. TIA!

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LiterallyOnFire · 30/05/2024 01:29

Leila.

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SonicTheHodgeheg · 30/05/2024 01:30

I voted Leila

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RogueFemale · 30/05/2024 01:31

Layla is far prettier.

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Namechangedmumm · 30/05/2024 01:36

Layla

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Moreteaandchocolate · 30/05/2024 06:04

I think most people assume Layla as it’s the most commonly used, so I’d choose that for an easier life!

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Snoopystick · 30/05/2024 06:14

I know a Leila and a Layla who pronounce them differently so in my mind they’re different names rather than just different spellings.

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RogersOrganismicProcess · 30/05/2024 06:23

I’d go with Leyla as it is the truest spelling of its cultural roots. Leila feels especially anglicised which is possibly why people are expressing bias towards it.

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veiledsentiments · 30/05/2024 06:41

I’ve had one for 26 years and we spell it Laila.

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Toomuchgoingon79 · 30/05/2024 06:57

Leila

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KirstenBlest · 30/05/2024 08:05

Leila. I'd pick a different name because there are so many similar names popular- Leila, Layla. Lila, Lyla, Lola, Lyra, Lily, Lilia etc

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Peanutbutterjelly123 · 30/05/2024 08:34

I’d pronounce them different.
Layla as Lay-La
Leila as Lee-La

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BoleynMemories13 · 30/05/2024 09:07

I prefer Laila. I don't like the look so much with a y in the middle, but Leila risks getting mispronounced as Lee-la. I went to school with a Leila and all the supply teachers got it wrong. Wound her up so much! I think people are more familiar with the name though these days so maybe it won't be such an issue now?

So I prefer Laila but out of Layla and Leila I'd go for Layla as it's the most popular spelling and the pronunciation is more obvious.

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stressedespresso · 30/05/2024 13:11

Peanutbutterjelly123 · 30/05/2024 08:34

I’d pronounce them different.
Layla as Lay-La
Leila as Lee-La

Which phonetically is incorrect.

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KirstenBlest · 30/05/2024 13:13

stressedespresso · 30/05/2024 13:11

Which phonetically is incorrect.

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No, it isn't. Sheila and Leila.

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KirstenBlest · 30/05/2024 13:32

I'd say Laila as Lyla as in Alf Laila wa Laila.

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MyGreenFinch · 30/05/2024 13:37

I always thought “Leila” was pronounced like “Lie-la” (as in telling lies). But I suppose it’s a bit like Sarah/Sara or Davis/Davies, once the person tells you their name and the spelling then you know. So in that sense I would choose the spelling that is simplest and that you prefer.

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stressedespresso · 30/05/2024 14:33

KirstenBlest · 30/05/2024 13:13

No, it isn't. Sheila and Leila.

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Leila is said phonetically, Sheila is not. Ei = ‘ay’ sound

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CandleWick4 · 30/05/2024 14:40

MariaVT65 · 30/05/2024 05:14

My DH had this debate as we nearly chose this name for our daughter.

I said Leila
DH said Layla

Tbh i think Layla looks a bit more ‘chavvy’

I knew I shouldn’t have opened this thread because I knew I’d end up offended. Can people not comment on name threads without making offensive comments? If you like one more than the other then you can say that without being insulting.
I have a Layla who is incredibly beautiful and smart and kind and couldn’t be further from ‘chavvy’. Breaks my heart that people would judge her based on how her name is spelt when she is so lovely.

Layla or Leila? | Mumsnet (2024)

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