Comprehensive Guide on the Name “Lila”

Origin and Historical Background

The name “Lila” has diverse and rich origins spanning multiple cultures. In Hindu tradition, Lila (लीला) means “divine play,” referring to the playful nature of the gods, especially Krishna. In Arabic, Lila derives from the word “laylah,” which translates to “night.” This meaning is consistent across several Western languages, where it continues to express themes related to the night. The French variation “Lilas” translates to “lilac,” a flower often associated with spring and rebirth.

Meaning and Cultural Significance

The name Lila, meaning “night,” evokes images of mystery, tranquility, and subtle beauty. It suggests a dusky and mysterious character, much like the velvety expanse of the nighttime sky. The association with night also brings to mind qualities of introspection, calm, and wisdom. Culturally, using the name Lila can imbue a child with a sense of elegance and ethereal beauty.

Famous Historical Figures with the Name Lila

1. Lila Kedrova

• Historical Era: 20th Century
• Key Contributions: Lila Kedrova was a Russian-born actress known for her work in both English and French films. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Zorba the Greek” and a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway version of the same.
• Cultural Impact: Kedrova’s work helped bridge the cultural gap between Russian and Western cinema, gaining significant acclaim for her talent and versatility.

2. Lila Downs

• Historical Era: Contemporary
• Key Contributions: Lila Downs is a Grammy Award-winning Mexican-American singer known for her wide-ranging musical styles that encompass traditional Mexican folk, jazz, and world music.
• Cultural Impact: Downs has brought traditional Mexican music to a global audience, advocating for the rights and recognition of indigenous peoples along the way.

Usage Over Time

The name Lila has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the early 20th century, it enjoyed moderate popularity but experienced a decline mid-century. In recent decades, particularly from the 2000s onward, Lila has witnessed a resurgence due in part to the trend toward vintage and classical names. Data from the Social Security Administration reflects this revival, with Lila breaking into the top 200 names in recent years.

Pronunciation Guide

Lila is typically pronounced in two main ways:

• LEE-lah: This pronunciation is more common in English-speaking countries.
• LIE-lah: This can be heard in both English-speaking and some European countries.

The phonetic spelling should help clarify the preferred pronunciation for individuals using the name.

Biblical Context

The name Lila itself does not have direct mentions in the Bible. However, its association with night can draw symbolic parallels with biblical themes of calmness, rest, and divine intervention occurring during the night, as seen in numerous biblical passages.

Additional Unique Information

Numerology

In numerology, the name Lila is often associated with the number 7, which signifies introspection, intuition, and a keen understanding of deeper truths.

Variations and Cultural Variants

Variations include Lela, Leila, Lilah, Layla, and Lilia. Cultural variants span across Arabic, Hebrew, and Latin tongues, often maintaining the core meaning related to night or darkness.

Popularity

According to the SSA, Lila has consistently climbed the ranks since the early 2000s, becoming particularly popular in the 2010s.

Conclusion

The name Lila is a beautiful and evocative choice for a girl, carrying with it a sense of mystery, elegance, and timeless appeal. Its rich cultural and historical roots, along with a meaningful association with the night, make it a compelling option for expectant parents.

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