Birthday Gift
Rewards Points
Member Coupon
Welcome 👋 😄
You are browsing as a guest.
Log in to enjoy a personalized experience, save your preferences, and more.
Leela
1. Leela name meaning and origin
The name Leela (also spelled Lila or Līlā) has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language of India. In its original context, 'Leela' derives from the Sanskrit word 'लीला' (līlā), which translates to 'play,' 'pastime,' or 'divine play.' In Hindu philosophy, particularly within Vedantic traditions, the concept of Leela refers to the universe being created and maintained as a divine play or cosmic game by deities, especially Vishnu and Krishna.
Beyond its philosophical connotations, Leela has evolved into a personal name primarily used for females across various South Asian communities. The name carries positive associations of playfulness, spontaneity, and grace. In traditional Hindu texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana, the term appears frequently to describe the activities of divine beings that appear miraculous or extraordinary to human observers. As a feminine given name, Leela conveys a sense of joyful existence and divine connection, making it a meaningful choice that bridges spiritual tradition with contemporary naming practices.
2. Leela name popularity
Girl
Boy
#0
in 2023
0
from 2022
Popularity of Leela
United States
United Kingdom
Leela is a feminine name with roots in Sanskrit, where it carries meanings related to "divine play" or "cosmic play." While it has historical significance in Indian culture and Hindu traditions, the data indicates that Leela has not ranked among the most popular names in either the United States or the United Kingdom.
Despite not appearing in top name rankings, Leela has gained some recognition in Western countries through cultural exchanges and media exposure. The name has a melodic quality with its repeated "l" sounds and balanced syllables, making it an elegant yet uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with Eastern spiritual connections and distinctive character.
3. Variations and nicknames of Leela
The name Leela, with its melodic sound and spiritual heritage, has traversed cultures and continents, adapting into numerous variants while maintaining its essence. Originally stemming from Sanskrit, where 'Lila' or 'Līlā' means divine play or cosmic game, this name has evolved differently across regions. In Western contexts, Leela often appears as 'Lila', 'Leila', or 'Layla', while Indian variations include 'Leelavati' and 'Leelawati', which extend the name's meaning to encompass divine grace or playfulness. The Hebrew-adjacent form 'Leilah' shares phonetic similarities despite different etymological roots. Other cultural adaptations include the Nordic-influenced 'Lila' and the French-inspired 'Lielle', each adding subtle nuances to the pronunciation while preserving the name's lyrical quality.
With such a versatile name come numerous affectionate nicknames that friends and family bestow upon Leelas worldwide. Common diminutives include the straightforward 'Lee', the playful 'Leelee', and the endearing 'Leelu'. Some opt for the elegant 'Lily' or 'Lili', drawing on the flowery associations, while others prefer 'Lala' for its childlike charm. In certain circles, 'Elle' serves as a sophisticated short form, and 'Leelz' offers a modern, zippy alternative. For those with the extended variant Leelavati, 'Vati' occasionally emerges as a distinctive nickname. The versatility of Leela enables personalization through nicknames that can reflect the bearer's personality—whether they embody the spiritual playfulness of the original Sanskrit meaning or simply appreciate the name's rhythmic beauty across its many cultural expressions.
4. Best name combinations with Leela
Middle names that pair well with Leela:
- Leela Rose
- Leela Jasmine
- Leela Celeste
- Leela Devi
- Leela Jyoti
- Leela Maya
- Leela Samira
- Leela Vivienne
- Leela Priya
- Leela Josephine
- Leela Camille
- Leela Anjali
- Leela Serene
- Leela Naomi
- Leela Shakti
- Leela Genevieve
- Leela Seren
- Leela Indira
- Leela Victoria
- Leela Padma
Names that go well when Leela is used as a middle name:
- Amara Leela
- Sophia Leela
- Indira Leela
- Zara Leela
- Madeline Leela
- Aria Leela
- Lakshmi Leela
- Freya Leela
- Amaya Leela
- Evangeline Leela
- Divya Leela
- Clara Leela
- Meera Leela
- Eliana Leela
- Maya Leela
- Isabella Leela
- Kamala Leela
- Seraphina Leela
- Aditi Leela
- Valentina Leela
5. Numerology of Leela name
Destiny Number (Expression Number):
3
L(3) + E(5) + E(5) + L(3) + A(1) = 17 = 1+7 = 8
The Destiny Number 8 indicates a natural leader with strong executive abilities. People with this number often excel in business, finance, or management positions. You possess determination and ambition, with potential to achieve material success. In relationships, you value loyalty and stability, though you may need to balance your drive for achievement with emotional connection. Your path involves learning to use power responsibly while developing both material and spiritual abundance.
Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):
6
E(5) + E(5) + A(1) = 11 = 1+1 = 2
With Soul Urge Number 2, you deeply desire harmony and connection in your relationships. Your inner motivation comes from cooperation and partnership rather than individual achievement. You're naturally diplomatic and sensitive to others' needs. In career, you excel in supportive roles requiring teamwork and mediation. You seek balanced, nurturing relationships and may feel unfulfilled without meaningful connections with others.
Personality Number:
2
L(3) + L(3) = 6
Personality Number 6 projects responsibility, nurturing, and harmony to others. People likely see you as someone who creates balance and takes care of those around you. This number suggests you appear trustworthy and compassionate. In professional settings, you're viewed as reliable and service-oriented. In relationships, you're perceived as caring and family-oriented, sometimes taking on parental roles even in romantic partnerships.
Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.
6. Leela name in pop culture
Name
Description
Leela (Futurama)
One-eyed female spaceship captain and main character in the animated sci-fi comedy series Futurama, created by Matt Groening
Leela (Doctor Who)
Companion to the Fourth Doctor in the classic British sci-fi television series Doctor Who, portrayed by Louise Jameson
Leela James
American R&B and soul singer known for albums like 'A Change Is Gonna Come' and her powerful, soulful vocals
Blind Leela
Character in the novel 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie who possesses magical powers despite her blindness
Leela's Song
Musical number from the Futurama episode 'The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings' where Leela sings about her feelings for Fry
7. Famous people named Leela
Name
Description
Leela James
American R&B and soul singer known for her powerful voice and albums like 'A Change Is Gonna Come' and 'My Soul'
Nirupa Roy (portrayed Leela in films)
Legendary Indian actress who played a character named Leela in several Bollywood films and was known as the quintessential mother figure in Hindi cinema
Leela Naidu
Indian actress and model who was listed as one of the most beautiful women in the world by Vogue magazine and starred in films like 'Anuradha'
Leela Samson
Renowned Indian dancer, choreographer, and former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification and Sangeet Natak Akademi
Leela Ambika Devi
Indian classical dancer and actress known for her contributions to Mohiniyattam dance form and Malayalam cinema
Leela Mishra
Veteran Indian actress who appeared in over 200 Hindi films, often playing grandmother and mother-in-law roles in Bollywood
Leela Chitnis
Pioneering Indian actress who was one of the first women from a respectable family to enter Bollywood and became known for her maternal roles
Leela Nambudiripad
Indian author and social activist known for her writings on women's rights and social reforms in Kerala
Leela Gandhi
Prominent literary theorist, academic, and author who is the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and known for her work in postcolonial theory
Katrina Leela Kaif (uses middle name professionally as Katrina Kaif)
One of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses known for films like 'Tiger Zinda Hai' and 'Dhoom 3'
8. Names similar to Leela
Like Leela ? What about:
Generate a perfect name for your baby
Our Baby Name Generator helps you find the perfect name, sorted by gender, letter, meaning, and more. You don't need to fill out every field, just the ones you're interested in.
Search by name
Looking for baby name ideas, advice, meanings, and popularity.
Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:
Popularity
All names
Sort by
Most popular
Baby name lists including Leela
Baby name lists including Leela
