Kayla Girl
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
Fictional characters named Kayla
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
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 | |
| TX | 96 | |
| NY | 80 | |
| FL | 72 | |
| NJ | 51 | |
| PA | 35 | |
| IL | 35 | |
| MA | 32 | |
| OH | 31 | |
| MD | 29 | |
| IN | 22 | |
| VA | 20 | |
| GA | 19 | |
| NC | 19 | |
| WI | 15 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1933 | 6 |
| 1935 | 5 |
| 1937 | 6 |
| 1938 | 9 |
| 1939 | 9 |
| 1940 | 6 |
| 1941 | 11 |
| 1942 | 13 |
| 1943 | 12 |
| 1944 | 15 |
| 1945 | 11 |
| 1946 | 23 |
| 1947 | 16 |
| 1948 | 30 |
| 1949 | 24 |
| 1950 | 37 |
| 1951 | 51 |
| 1952 | 47 |
| 1953 | 49 |
| 1954 | 60 |
| 1955 | 67 |
| 1956 | 69 |
| 1957 | 101 |
| 1958 | 103 |
| 1959 | 116 |
| 1960 | 130 |
| 1961 | 116 |
| 1962 | 166 |
| 1963 | 156 |
| 1964 | 163 |
| 1965 | 147 |
| 1966 | 144 |
| 1967 | 135 |
| 1968 | 139 |
| 1969 | 192 |
| 1970 | 158 |
| 1971 | 168 |
| 1972 | 182 |
| 1973 | 149 |
| 1974 | 180 |
| 1975 | 185 |
| 1976 | 202 |
| 1977 | 226 |
| 1978 | 237 |
| 1979 | 256 |
| 1980 | 314 |
| 1981 | 317 |
| 1982 | 2,276 |
| 1983 | 3,527 |
| 1984 | 2,681 |
| 1985 | 2,608 |
| 1986 | 4,657 |
| 1987 | 10,579 |
| 1988 | 13,432 |
| 1989 | 14,904 |
| 1990 | 17,538 |
| 1991 | 18,545 |
| 1992 | 16,517 |
| 1993 | 15,452 |
| 1994 | 15,885 |
| 1995 | 16,087 |
| 1996 | 15,269 |
| 1997 | 13,885 |
| 1998 | 13,422 |
| 1999 | 13,292 |
| 2000 | 13,313 |
| 2001 | 11,892 |
| 2002 | 11,310 |
| 2003 | 10,957 |
| 2004 | 9,773 |
| 2005 | 8,620 |
| 2006 | 8,226 |
| 2007 | 7,583 |
| 2008 | 6,835 |
| 2009 | 5,847 |
| 2010 | 5,060 |
| 2011 | 4,336 |
| 2012 | 3,776 |
| 2013 | 3,260 |
| 2014 | 3,012 |
| 2015 | 2,740 |
| 2016 | 2,470 |
| 2017 | 2,127 |
| 2018 | 1,890 |
| 2019 | 1,612 |
| 2020 | 1,339 |
| 2021 | 1,216 |
| 2022 | 1,132 |
| 2023 | 952 |
| 2024 | 931 |