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Ayla Girl

Popularity: #69 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: AY-lah //ˈeɪ.lə//

Origin: Hebrew; Turkish

Meaning: Hebrew: Oak tree; Turkish: Moonlight

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ayla has its roots in multiple languages, with its earliest forms traceable to Hebrew and Turkish. In Hebrew, Ayla (אילה) means "doe" or "gazelle," symbolizing grace and beauty.

The Turkish interpretation of Ayla translates to "moonlight" or "halo," which evokes imagery of illumination and serenity. The name made its way into English through cultural exchanges and the increasing interest in names from various linguistic backgrounds, particularly during the 20th century as global communication expanded.

Historically, the name Ayla has been associated with various cultural narratives. In the Hebrew Bible, the doe is often a symbol of gentleness and purity, which may have contributed to the name's appeal in Jewish communities.

In Turkish culture, the name has been embraced in literature and poetry, often representing beauty and tranquility, particularly in works that celebrate nature and the cosmos. The name gained further recognition in the late 20th century with the publication of Jean M.

Auel's "Earth's Children" series, where a character named Ayla is depicted as a strong and resourceful woman, thus enhancing the name's cultural resonance. The enduring significance of Ayla can be attributed to its associations with nature and femininity, making it a name that embodies both strength and grace.

The variations of the name, such as Ayla in Turkish and its Hebrew counterpart, highlight its adaptability across different cultures. This versatility has allowed Ayla to maintain a presence in various linguistic contexts, contributing to its rich historical tapestry.

Famous people named Ayla

Ayla Nereo is a singer-songwriter best known for her albums The Code of the Flowers, The Last of the Wild, and The Light of the Moon.

Ayla Brown is a singer and television personality best known for American Idol, The Amazing Race, and her music career.

Fictional characters named Ayla

Ayla is a fictional character from the novel series Earth's Children by Jean M. Auel. She is a Cro-Magnon woman who navigates life in prehistoric Europe, showcasing her resilience and adaptability.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ayla was first seen in the United States in 1963.

Ayla has ranked as high as #174 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

In the past 5 years the name Ayla has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ayla (2024)

State Births Share
CA 449
15%
TX 294
9%
FL 207
7%
NY 200
6%
MA 134
4%
IL 130
4%
NC 124
4%
PA 122
4%
NJ 104
3%
VA 99
3%
GA 98
3%
WA 84
3%
OH 82
3%
TN 65
2%
AZ 58
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19636
19775
19785
19795
19816
198213
198338
198441
198546
198693
1987329
1988267
1989225
1990241
1991282
1992261
1993248
1994246
1995241
1996235
1997199
1998231
1999247
2000252
2001301
2002297
2003312
2004372
2005417
20061,233
2007864
2008796
2009793
2010914
2011925
20121,294
20131,110
20141,187
20151,204
20161,237
20171,358
20181,587
20191,745
20202,025
20212,581
20222,757
20232,559
20243,236