Girl
Hebrew / Arabic
2 syllables
Kayla
KAY-lah
/ˈkeɪ.lə/
"The crowned one" — a name of achievement and quiet modern grace
Kayla is a modern name with uncertain but rich origins — likely derived from the Hebrew Kelila meaning crown of laurels, or possibly from an Arabic root meaning slender. Some trace it to the Celtic Caela. The name rose dramatically in the US through the 1990s, partly because of the popular character Kayla Brady on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, and reached its peak around 2001.
Quick Facts
Letters5
SyllablesKay · la
GenderGirl
OriginHebrew / Arabic
Root WordKelila / Qaylah
MeaningCrown of laurels, slender
PopularityCommon
Peak Year2001
Trend
→ Stable
Nicknames
KayKKKiki
About the Name Kayla
Kayla likely means crown of laurels from the Hebrew Kelila, or may derive from an Arabic word meaning slender. Its exact etymology is debated, as it is a relatively modern coinage.
Kayla was extremely popular in the 1990s and 2000s but has declined since its peak around 2001. It remains common but no longer ranks in the top 100.
Kayla has multiple possible origins including Hebrew Kelila (crown), Arabic Qaylah (slender), and Celtic Caela. It may also be a modern creation blending Kay and the -la suffix.
Kayla Marie, Kayla Nicole, Kayla Ann, and Kayla Grace are all popular and naturally flowing combinations.
Kaylas are often seen as friendly, sociable, and energetic — the name has a warm, approachable quality that was very characteristic of the 1990s generation.
Kayla is not a biblical name itself, but the similar Hebrew name Kelila appears in some Jewish traditions.
Personality of Kayla
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Kayla
Creativity
74%
Elegance
72%
Independence
76%
Intelligence
76%
Strength
72%
Warmth
84%
Famous People Named Kayla
K
Kayla Brady
Beloved character on Days of Our Lives soap opera
K
Kayla Harrison
American judoka, two-time Olympic gold medalist
K
Kayla Nicole
American TV host and fitness model
Middle Names for Kayla
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Kayla
Kayla Marie
Kayla Nicole
Kayla Ann
Kayla Grace
Kayla Rose
Kayla Lynn
Kayla Michelle
Kayla Renee
Kayla Faith
Kayla Dawn
Names Similar to Kayla
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Kayla
1985
Kayla Brady introduced on Days of Our Lives, boosting the name's popularity
1995
Kayla enters US top 20 during peak 90s popularity
2001
Kayla reaches peak US ranking at number 5
2010
Kayla begins gradual decline as more distinctive alternatives gain favor
Numerology & Symbolism of Kayla
5
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
2
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Gemini
2
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Lavender
💎
Lucky Stone
Amethyst
🌸
Lucky Flower
Lavender
Kayla Around the World
How Kayla is written in different languages and scripts
كايلا
Arabic
ケイラ
Japanese
Кейла
Russian
케일라
Korean
凯拉
Chinese
Κέιλα
Greek
कायला
Hindi
קַיְלָה
Hebrew
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