"crown of laurel"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Kaila
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Ocean-kissed with a crown of laurels
English
American
Hawaiian
Modern
Gentle
Playful
Classic
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"slender and fair"
Origin: Gaelic
Language: English
"sea (via Kai)"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
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The Story of Kaila
Kaila is a spelling variant of Kayla, which has multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Hebrew Kelila meaning crown of laurel, or from the Greek Katherine via Gaelic Caoilfhinn meaning slender and fair. In Hawaii, Kaila is also a native name. The spelling with -ai- gives it a Hawaiian or phonetic feel, distinguishing it from the more common Kayla.
Kayla exploded in popularity in the US during the 1980s-1990s, largely influenced by the character Kayla Brady on Days of Our Lives. The variant spelling Kaila emerged as parents sought the same sound with a more distinctive look. Hawaiian influence also contributed to this spelling preference in the Pacific and Hawaii.
In Hawaiian culture, names with Kai (meaning sea) are beloved for their connection to the ocean. Kaila therefore resonates in Hawaiian communities as a name connecting to the sea. The name also carries the universal appeal of crowns and victory from its Hebrew associations.
Historical Record
Kaila first appeared in US Social Security records in 1964.
Over 14,467 babies have been named Kaila in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kaila is past its peak , currently ranked #1,732 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Kayla/Kaila sound family is one of the most internationally recognized created names of the late 20th century
- Kai in Hawaiian means ocean sea, giving Kaila a built-in nature connection
Kaila in Other Languages
French
Kaïla
Hebrew
כֵּלִילָה
Spanish
Kayla
Hawaiian
Kaila
Popularity Over Time
#1,732
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1991
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kaila
K
Kayla Harrison
Athlete
1990
American judoka and two-time Olympic gold medalist, first American to win Olympic gold in judo (variant spelling)
K
Kayla Brady Fictional
Other
Beloved character on the US daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives, responsible for popularizing the Kayla name family
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Compare Kaila with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,732
- Total SSA Count
- 117
- Cultural Origins
- English American Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kay
Kai
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kaila
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kaila
What does the name Kaila mean?
"crown of laurel" (from Hebrew). "slender and fair" (from Gaelic). "sea (via Kai)" (from Hawaiian). Kaila is a spelling variant of Kayla, which has multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Hebrew Kelila meaning crown of laurel, or from the Greek Katherine via Gaelic Caoilfhinn meaning slender and fair. In Hawaii, Kaila is also a native name. The spelling with -ai- gives it a Hawaiian or phonetic feel, distinguishing it from the more common Kayla.
What is the origin of the name Kaila?
Kaila has Hebrew, Gaelic, Hawaiian, English, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "crown of laurel". In Gaelic, it means "slender and fair". In Hawaiian, it means "sea (via Kai)".
Is Kaila a boy or girl name?
Kaila is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Kaila?
Kaila is currently ranked #1732 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kaila?
Common nicknames for Kaila include Kay and Kai.
What are good middle names for Kaila?
Popular middle name pairings include Kaila Rose, Kaila Grace, Kaila Marie, Kaila Ann, Kaila Jade, and Kaila Lynn.
What are good sibling names for Kaila?
Names that pair well with Kaila as siblings include Jayden, Leilani, Caleb, Maya, Noah, and Aria.
How many syllables does Kaila have?
Kaila has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kaila a common or rare name?
Kaila is an uncommon name, ranked #1732 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Kaila?
About the Name Kaila
Kaila is a girl name with English, American, and Hawaiian origins . The name means "crown of laurel" in Hebrew .
Kaila is currently ranked #1,732 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kaila has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kaila include Kay and Kai. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kaila include Kailani, Kailany, Kailey, Kailyn, Kailee . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis