"crown of laurels"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Kayla
Pronunciation: [ k-AYL-uh ]
Girl Name
#336 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A melodic modern classic with ancient roots
American
English
Irish
Modern
Playful
Classic
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
"beautiful, graceful"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
"wise child"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
The Story of Kayla
Kayla likely emerged as a variant of the Hebrew name Kelila, meaning 'crown of laurels,' though its exact origins are debated. Some trace it to the Arabic name Kaila, while others see it as an Irish form derived from the Gaelic name Cadhla, meaning 'beautiful.' The name may also have developed independently in America as a feminine elaboration of Kay during the mid-20th century, following the popular trend of adding -la endings to short names.
Kayla exploded onto the US name charts in the 1980s, driven in part by the character Kayla Brady on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, who first appeared in 1982. It reached its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, regularly appearing in the top 20 girls' names in the US.
In the United States, Kayla became emblematic of the naming trends of Generation X and early Millennials, representing the move away from traditional Biblical names toward softer, more melodic choices. Its Irish variant connection gives it a subtle Celtic resonance.
Fun Facts
- Kayla entered the US top 100 in 1983 and stayed there for over 30 years
- The name appears as a character in the video game Metal Gear Solid V
- Kayla was a top-10 name in Ireland in the early 2000s
Kayla in Other Languages
Irish
Cadhla
Arabic
كايلا
French
Kayla
Hebrew
קיילה
Spanish
Kayla
Famous People Named Kayla
K
Kayla Harrison
Athlete
1990
Two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and MMA fighter, first American to win Olympic gold in judo
K
Kayla Mueller
Humanitarian
1988
American humanitarian aid worker who died while held captive by ISIS in Syria
K
Kayla Brady Fictional
Other
Beloved character on Days of Our Lives soap opera, portrayed by Mary Beth Evans since 1982
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #336
- Total SSA Count
- 931
- Cultural Origins
- American English Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kay
Kayls
Pairs Well With
Kayla Marie
Kayla Ann
Kayla Grace
Kayla Elizabeth
Kayla Rose
Kayla Nicole
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Kayla is also used as a boy name, ranked #40592.
View Kayla as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kayla
What does the name Kayla mean?
"crown of laurels" (from Hebrew). "beautiful, graceful" (from Irish Gaelic). "wise child" (from Arabic). Kayla likely emerged as a variant of the Hebrew name Kelila, meaning 'crown of laurels,' though its exact origins are debated. Some trace it to the Arabic name Kaila, while others see it as an Irish form derived from the Gaelic name Cadhla, meaning 'beautiful.' The name may also have developed independently in America as a feminine elaboration of Kay during the mid-20th century, following the popular trend of adding -la endings to short names.
What is the origin of the name Kayla?
Kayla has Hebrew, Irish Gaelic, Arabic, American, English, and Irish origins. In Hebrew, it means "crown of laurels". In Irish Gaelic, it means "beautiful, graceful". In Arabic, it means "wise child".
Is Kayla a boy or girl name?
Kayla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #336. As a boy name, it is ranked #40592. Kayla is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kayla?
Kayla is pronounced k-AYL-uh.
How popular is the name Kayla?
Kayla is currently ranked #336 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kayla?
Common nicknames for Kayla include Kay and Kayls.
What are good middle names for Kayla?
Popular middle name pairings include Kayla Marie, Kayla Ann, Kayla Grace, Kayla Elizabeth, Kayla Rose, and Kayla Nicole.
What are good sibling names for Kayla?
Names that pair well with Kayla as siblings include Brianna, Taylor, Tyler, Dylan, Madison, and Logan.
How many syllables does Kayla have?
Kayla has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kayla a common or rare name?
Kayla is a popular name, ranked #336 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Kayla
Kayla is a girl name with American, English, and Irish origins . The name means "crown of laurels" in Hebrew .
Is Kayla a boy or girl name? Kayla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #336 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,592. Kayla is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kayla is currently ranked #336 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kayla has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AYL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kayla include Kay and Kayls. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kayla include Kaylee, Kaylani, Kayleigh, Kaylie, Kaylin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.