The nameKayla
Kayla is a modern girl's name, often linked to the Irish Caoilfhionn or to Katherine. It reached 11th place in the United States around 2000.
- Girl's name
- American
Meaning
Kayla is often linked to the Irish Caoilfhionn, "slender and fair", or seen as a modern form built on Kay. Its origin is discussed.
Origin
American, from the 1980s.
History
Kayla rose fast in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s, helped by a character of the soap opera Days of Our Lives, and reached 11th place.
Did you know?
- In 2012 Kayla Harrison became the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.
Famous people named Kayla
- Kayla Harrison, judoka
- Kayla Itsines, fitness trainer
Popularity of the name Kayla
Kayla in the United States
Kayla was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 156,122 births over the decade, 45% of all recorded babies named Kayla. Its rise began around 1982, and it peaked in 1991. Half of all babies named Kayla in the United States were born before 1996. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,114 births a year on average, against 2,170 in the five years before.
Kayla in the United Kingdom
Kayla was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 4,335 births over the decade, 46% of all recorded babies named Kayla. Half of all babies named Kayla in the United Kingdom were born before 2010, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 151 births a year on average, against 222 in the five years before.
Kayla in Ireland
Kayla in France
Kayla in Switzerland
Sibling names for Kayla
Names from the same generation as Kayla, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Kayla? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Kayla with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Kayla side by side with the name of your choice.
Kayla in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kayla mean?
Kayla is often linked to the Irish Caoilfhionn, "slender and fair", or seen as a modern form built on Kay. Its origin is discussed.
What is the origin of the name Kayla?
American, from the 1980s.
Is Kayla a girl's or a boy's name?
Kayla is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Kayla?
In 2024, Kayla was the 336th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 931 births.
What are good sibling names for Kayla?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Alyssa, Stephanie, Samantha and Taylor for a sister, Brian, Brandon, Zachary and Justin for a brother.
Who are famous people named Kayla?
Kayla Harrison, judoka; Kayla Itsines, fitness trainer.