We are considering [name_f]Layla[/name_f] for our second girl’s name. My DH is Jewish and we are trying to figure out a) if [name_f]Layla[/name_f] is used by Jewish families and b) if so, can it be pronounced “[name_m]Lay[/name_m]-la” (vs Lie-la)
We know that there is the Hebrew word for night that is pronounced “Lie-la” I believe, and I think that is spelled [name_f]Leila[/name_f].
From researching, it also seems like [name_f]Laila[/name_f] or [name_f]Layla[/name_f] are typically Arabic spellings, pronounced “[name_m]Lay[/name_m]-la”
What I’d like to know is whether if we use the name “[name_f]Layla[/name_f]” and pronounce “[name_m]Lay[/name_m]-la” is that ever a spelling/pronunciation used by Jewish families either in the US or [name_m]Israel[/name_m]?
If it’s spelled [name_f]Lila[/name_f], I would say “Lie-luh.” However, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to be told it’s pronounced “[name_u]Lee[/name_u]-luh.” Same goes for [name_f]Lilah[/name_f] - could really go either way.
As for [name_f]Leila[/name_f], I’d definitely pronounce it as “[name_u]Lee[/name_u]-luh” first, but not surprised to be corrected to “[name_m]Lay[/name_m]-luh.” I would be very surprised to be corrected to “Lie-luh” with that spelling.
I think the [name_f]Layla[/name_f] spelling is the easiest way to go if you’re going for “[name_m]Lay[/name_m]-luh.” I think it’d be rare that someone would mispronounce it.
Thanks! That’s great feedback. [name_m]Just[/name_m] trying to figure out if it’s considered ‘ok’ for a Jewish child to have the name [name_f]Layla[/name_f], or if it’s distinctly Arabic and not used at all in American Jewish culture.
The movie is about a man who is Jewish who begins dating an Arabic woman who is Muslim. If I am remembering correctly, [name_m]David[/name_m] tricks his parents the first time that they met [name_f]Layla[/name_f] by telling them that she is a Sephardic Jew, which they believe. [name_f]Layla[/name_f] in the movie is said like you want.
