Leelu
A girl's name of Arabic origin with 52 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Leelu is a two-syllable girl's name with a open, approachable sound — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. With only 52 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Leelu is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Leelu is a girl's baby name of Arabic origin, a playful diminutive of Lila or Leila, from the Arabic meaning 'night' — evoking the beauty of dusk, starlit skies, and the mysterious magic of the dark hours.
Leelu gained a flash of pop culture recognition as the name of the heroine in the 1997 sci-fi film The Fifth Element, adding a futuristic, adventurous energy to an already sweet and musical name.
EtymologyShow more
Leelu is cataloged under the Arabic naming tradition. Arabic names frequently carry layered meanings tied to virtue, beauty, or devotion — a naming tradition where the meaning of a name is considered deeply important.
In the U.S., Leelu has been recorded as a girl's name since 2002, with 52 total births. Browse the Arabic names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Leelu has 8+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2002.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 32 | #13093 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 20 | #18211 | — |
The Story of Leelu
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2011, Leelu is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Leelu are most likely born between 2002 and 2017.
How rare is Leelu?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Leelu is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2002, peaked in the 2010s with 32 births that decade.
Leelu by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(8 years, 2002–2017)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 8 | #12266 |
| 2014 | 7 | #13939 |
| 2012 | 6 | #16048 |
| 2011 | 11 | #10120 |
| 2009 | 5 | #18952 |
| 2008 | 5 | #19245 |
| 2004 | 5 | #17655 |
| 2002 | 5 | #16993 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leelu a boy's or girl's name?
When was Leelu most popular?
How popular is the name Leelu?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2002–2017