Layan is an Arabic name derived from the root layyin and means "soft" or "gentle", a word used for a tender, easygoing nature. It is a popular modern choice across the Arab world and has traveled with Arab American families to the United States. Layan entered the US top 1000 for the first time in 2025, climbing from number 1029 in 2024 to number 831, its best rank so far.