Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kayla has modern American origins, thought to derive from Hebrew or Yiddish roots meaning 'crown' or 'pure'. It evolved from names like Kaila and Keila. Kayla gained popularity in the U.S. during the late 20th century and is associated with a youthful and friendly image. There is no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkeɪlə/
Origin
Modern American
Etymology
The name Kayla is often thought to be derived from the Hebrew name 'Keila' meaning 'a fortress' or 'the crown'. It may also be linked to the Yiddish name 'Kaila', which is a diminutive of 'Kailah'.
Meaning
crown, laurel, pure
Language Evolution
Kaila, Keila, Kayla
Historical Usage
Kayla gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a fashionable name among parents.
Variants & Derivatives
Kaila, Keila, Kailah
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kayla is perceived as a trendy and youthful name, often associated with a friendly and approachable personality.
Famous People
Kayla Harrison - Olympic judoka, Kayla Itsines - fitness influencer, Kayla Ewell - actress
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 18,580 peak births in 1991
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (11 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 11 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2877th of 16616 | 330 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5497th of 24088 | 227 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 17359th of 23106 | 17 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3834th of 9204 | 103 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1148th of 12526 | 1,524 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 765th of 19264 | 3,014 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 26th of 27321 | 170,274 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 21st of 35406 | 148,127 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 153rd of 30306 | 22,681 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
64.56% 2379th/3685 |
55.66% 2491st/4475 |
54.91% 2852nd/5194 |
52.49% 3316th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
64.60% 3336th/5164 |
46.07% 3369th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
100.00% 1546th/1546 |
- | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
41.27% 919th/2227 |
95.80% 2328th/2430 |
32.04% 914th/2853 |
55.21% 1532nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
23.87% 701st/2937 |
61.07% 2127th/3483 |
16.86% 593rd/3518 |
27.70% 1120th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
0.60% 22nd/3685 |
0.76% 34th/4475 |
0.40% 21st/5194 |
0.51% 32nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
0.57% 26th/4582 |
0.29% 15th/5164 |
0.23% 17th/7313 |
0.36% 27th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
6.35% 253rd/3984 |
2.47% 111th/4487 |
2.67% 182nd/6822 |
2.09% 131st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, too rising for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too rising for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2877th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5497th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17359th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3834th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1148th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 765th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 26th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 21st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 153rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.