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Kayla Girl

Popularity: #308 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAY-lah //ˈkeɪ.lə//

Origin: Hebrew; Irish; English

Meaning: Hebrew: crown of laurels; Irish: slender; English: pure

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kayla is believed to have multiple potential origins, with one of the most widely accepted theories tracing it back to the Hebrew name "Kelila," which means "crown of laurel." This Hebrew form likely influenced its adoption into English through various linguistic adaptations. Another possible origin is from the Irish name "Caela," which is derived from the Gaelic word "caol," meaning "slender" or "narrow." The transition into English likely occurred in the 20th century, as names from diverse cultural backgrounds began to gain popularity in English-speaking countries.

Historically, the name Kayla does not have significant references in ancient texts or notable historical figures, but its variants and related names can be found throughout various cultures. The use of names with similar sounds or meanings can be traced back to the 19th century, with the rise of interest in unique and phonetically appealing names.

The name's modern usage began to emerge prominently in the late 20th century, coinciding with a broader trend of adopting names that convey a sense of individuality and modernity. Culturally, Kayla has been associated with qualities such as beauty and grace, often symbolized by the laurel crown, which historically represented victory and honor in ancient Greece.

The name has also been embraced in various forms of media, contributing to its resonance in contemporary culture. While diminutive forms like Kay or Kaye exist, they are less commonly used in historical contexts.

Overall, Kayla's etymological roots and cultural associations reflect a blend of linguistic heritage and modern significance.

Famous people named Kayla

Kayla Itsines is a fitness trainer best known for the Bikini Body Guide and the SWEAT app.
Kayla Ewell is an actress best known for The Vampire Diaries, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Forgotten.
Kayla Harrison is a judoka best known for winning Olympic gold medals and being a two-time world champion.
Kayla McBride is a professional basketball player best known for her time with the San Antonio Stars and the USA Women's National Team.
Kayla Rainey is a singer-songwriter best known for her work in the indie music scene.

Fictional characters named Kayla

Kayla is a fictional character from the video game series Life is Strange. She is a key character who influences the protagonist's journey through her relationships and choices.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kayla was first seen in the United States in 1933. Kayla has ranked as high as #36 nationally, which occurred in 1991, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Kayla has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kayla (2024)

State Births Share
CA 174
20%
TX 96
11%
NY 80
9%
FL 72
8%
NJ 51
6%
PA 35
4%
IL 35
4%
MA 32
4%
OH 31
4%
MD 29
3%
IN 22
3%
VA 20
2%
GA 19
2%
NC 19
2%
WI 15
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19336
19355
19376
19389
19399
19406
194111
194213
194312
194415
194511
194623
194716
194830
194924
195037
195151
195247
195349
195460
195567
195669
1957101
1958103
1959116
1960130
1961116
1962166
1963156
1964163
1965147
1966144
1967135
1968139
1969192
1970158
1971168
1972182
1973149
1974180
1975185
1976202
1977226
1978237
1979256
1980314
1981317
19822,276
19833,527
19842,681
19852,608
19864,657
198710,579
198813,432
198914,904
199017,538
199118,545
199216,517
199315,452
199415,885
199516,087
199615,269
199713,885
199813,422
199913,292
200013,313
200111,892
200211,310
200310,957
20049,773
20058,620
20068,226
20077,583
20086,835
20095,847
20105,060
20114,336
20123,776
20133,260
20143,012
20152,740
20162,470
20172,127
20181,890
20191,612
20201,339
20211,216
20221,132
2023952
2024931