Etymologically, Kayla is a linguistic chameleon. It bridges the gap between ancient roots, deriving from Hebrew and Arabic concepts of “crowns” and “laurels”, and modern American invention. It captures a specific “girl next door” charm that few names manage to maintain over decades.
Verdict: Kayla is the perfect choice for parents seeking a name that is easy to spell, universally recognized, and free of pretension. It is an ideal pick for a baby born in 2025 if you want a name that feels like a “modern classic”, one that has proven its staying power and offers a beautiful meaning of victory and purity.
Kayla Overview
- Meaning: Because Kayla derives from multiple languages, it has several meanings, including ”crown of laurels” and “god-like” from Hebrew, “pure” from Greek, and “slender and fair” from Irish.
- Gender: Kayla is traditionally a female’s name.
- Origin: Kayla originates in the United States but drew inspiration from Irish, Hebrew, and Greek names.
- Pronunciation: Kayla is pronounced “KAY-lah.”
- Popularity: The name is popular in the United States but has been declining slightly since the early 1990s.
- Nicknames: Kay, Kay-Kay, Kiki, Kayles, and Kali.
- Variations: Callia, Callie, Kala, Kalie, Kay, Keely, Kyah, Kyla, and Kylie.
- Namesakes: Kayla Ewell, American actress.
What Does Kayla Mean?
While many names have a singular, linear definition, Kayla is a fascinating tapestry of meanings woven from different cultures. This gives parents the flexibility to choose the interpretation that resonates most with their family values.
In its most potent Hebrew translation, Kayla is derived from the word Kelila, which translates to “crown of laurels.” In ancient times, the laurel crown was a symbol of victory, honor, and poetic inspiration. This imbues the name with a sense of triumph and leadership. Additionally, some etymologists link it to “Who is like God?” via the name Michaela.
From a Greek perspective, Kayla is often linked to the name Katherine, carrying the meaning of “pure.” This interpretation offers a softer, more virtuous “vibe” to the name.
Finally, in Irish and Gaelic traditions, the name is associated with the descriptor “slender and fair.” This refers less to physical beauty and more to a delicate or graceful nature.
Where Does the Name Kayla Come From?
The history of Kayla is a blend of ancient roots and modern pop culture. While the linguistic roots trace back to the Hebrew Kelila or the Yiddish Kaila, the name as we know it today is distinctly American in its rise to fame.
It existed as a rare name in the early 20th century, but its “Big Bang” moment occurred in the United States during the 1980s. This surge is widely attributed to the character Kayla Brady on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. The character, who became a super-couple with Steve “Patch” Johnson, propelled the name from obscurity into the Top 100 almost overnight.
It is also widely considered a diminutive of the Hebrew boy’s name Michael (via Michaela). It shares DNA with many Irish girls’ names, specifically the Anglicized versions of Cayla or Keela.
How Popular is the Name Kayla?
Kayla is the definition of a “modern classic.” In the world of onomatology, we often see names that burn bright and fade away, but Kayla has managed to settle into a comfortable stability.
The name enjoyed a meteoric rise in the 1980s, skyrocketing into the Top 20 and remaining a dominant force throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. For a generation of parents, Kayla was as ubiquitous as Jessica or Ashley.
In 2025, the name has cooled off significantly from its Top 10 heights. It is no longer trendy, but this is actually a benefit for modern parents. It has transitioned from “overused” to “familiar.” It is currently a recognizable, stable choice that won’t result in your child being one of five Kaylas in a kindergarten class. It is a well-established name in English-speaking countries, particularly the US, Canada, and Australia.
How Do I Pronounce Kayla?
Kayla is phonetically straightforward, which is one of its greatest strengths. It is pronounced “KAY-lah.”
The emphasis is placed firmly on the first syllable. The second syllable is a soft schwa sound. Because the spelling follows standard English phonetic rules, your child will rarely, if ever, have to correct people on how to say their name.
Is Kayla a Boy or Girl Name?
Kayla is overwhelmingly used as a girl’s name. In the United States, it is considered a feminine given name.
While the suffix “-a” is sometimes used for boys in other cultures (such as Luca or Ezra), the hard “K” sound combined with the “ay” vowel structure aligns Kayla firmly with American feminine naming conventions. It is statistically negligible as a boy’s name, meaning you can confidently choose this for a daughter without fear of gender confusion.
Variations of Kayla
Because Kayla has touched so many different cultures, there are several beautiful ways to spell or stylize the name.
- Kaila: The traditional Yiddish spelling.
- Keyla: A spelling often favored in Hispanic communities.
- Kaela: A variation that emphasizes the “ae” dipthong.
- Cayla: A softer, Latin-influenced spelling.
- Michaela: The formal, full version from which Kayla is often derived.
- Keela: The closer Anglicization of the Irish original.
- Kalla: A slightly shorter, Scandinavian-leaning variant.
- Kelila: The full Hebrew form meaning “crown.”
Nicknames for Kayla
Kayla is short and punchy enough to stand on its own, but affectionate nicknames are always a fun way to bond with a baby.
- Kay: The most classic, professional short form.
- KK: A spunky, energetic initial nickname.
- Lala: A sweet, sing-song nickname taken from the second syllable.
- Ayla: Dropping the “K” creates a trendy, distinctive sound.
- K-Bird: A playful, creative pet name.
- Kali: A standalone name that works as a nickname.
- Lee: Derived from the middle sound of the name.
Names Similar to Kayla
If you love the sound of Kayla but want to explore options that are either more vintage or more modern, consider these alternatives that share the same “vibe.”
- Layla: Rhymes with Kayla but offers a more exotic, lyrical history.
- Kylie: Shares the initial “K” and the Australian popularity but feels slightly more energetic.
- Maya: A short, 4-letter name ending in “a” that feels global and sophisticated.
- Sierra: Shares the 90s/00s peak popularity and nature-adjacent feel.
- Hailey: Another “modern classic” that sounds friendly and approachable.
- McKenna: A surname-style name that includes the “Kay” sound.
- Kiara: Similar hard “K” sound but with an Italian flair.
- Shayla: A rhyming alternative that is far rarer than Kayla.
Middle Names for Kayla
Kayla is a two-syllable name with a rhythm that pairs well with almost anything. However, to create a truly balanced name, we recommend these categorized pairings.
Classic & Timeless
These middle names ground Kayla, giving it a sophisticated, adult feel.
Nature-Inspired
To play up the “Laurel Crown” meaning, these names add an earthy element.
Modern & Punchy
These single-syllable or surname-style names give Kayla a trendy edge.
Sibling Names for Kayla
Building a sibset around Kayla means finding names that are established and familiar without being dated.
For a Brother
- Austin: Like Kayla, it bridges the gap between country-cool and suburban classic.
- Caleb: A Biblical name that shares the “K/C” sound but feels distinct.
- Ryan: A name that matches Kayla in popularity and approachability.
- Tyler: Shares the stylistic era of Kayla’s rise to fame.
- Mason: A sturdy, occupational name that sounds great with Kayla.
For a Sister
- Chloe: A Greek name that shares the “K” sound but has a different ending.
- Alyssa: Matches the soft, vowel-heavy ending of Kayla.
- Madison: Another American favorite that pairs perfectly in terms of energy.
- Brianna: A name with Irish roots that complements Kayla’s history.
- Zoey: Short, punchy, and full of life, just like Kayla.
Famous People Named Kayla
Kayla has been a popular name for long enough that many talented women have brought it into the spotlight.
- Kayla Harrison: An impressive American judoka and MMA fighter who is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
- Kayla Itsines: An Australian personal trainer and entrepreneur who revolutionized the fitness industry with her “Sweat” empire.
- Kayla Ewell: An American actress best known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries and The Bold and the Beautiful.
- Kayla Barron: A NASA astronaut, proving that the name reaches all the way to the stars.
- Kayla Mueller: An American human rights activist and humanitarian.
Kayla in Pop Culture
While less common in fiction than in reality, Kayla has had some notable appearances.
- Kayla Brady: The character from Days of Our Lives credited with launching the name’s popularity in the 1980s.
- Kayla Scavo: A character on the hit TV show Desperate Housewives.
- Kayla: A doll in the Barbie franchise, introduced as one of Barbie’s friends.
FAQs About the Name Kayla
What Does Kayla Mean in the Bible?
While the name Kayla itself does not appear in the Bible, it is linguistically linked to the name Michael (via Michaela), which means “Who is like God?” Additionally, the similar-sounding location “Keilah” is mentioned in the Old Testament as a fortified city in the lowlands of Judah.
What Does Kayla Mean in German?
In German contexts, Kayla is often treated as a variation of Katherine or Kay, carrying meanings related to purity (“die Reine”). It is not a traditional German name but is recognized there due to globalization.
What Is the Name Numerology of Kayla?
In numerology, Kayla corresponds to the Master Number 11 or the number 2 (depending on the calculation method used). This vibration is associated with intuition, sensitivity, and being a peacemaker. Kaylas are thought to be empathetic diplomats who seek harmony.
Is the Name Kayla Outdated?
Kayla is not outdated, but it is considered a “modern classic.” While its peak popularity was in the 1990s, it has not disappeared. It has transitioned from a trendy blockbuster to a steady, established name that fits in well with contemporary naming styles without feeling “old.”
How Do You Spell Kayla in Spanish?
In Spanish-speaking communities, the name is often spelled “Keyla.” This spelling ensures that the pronunciation remains “KAY-lah” rather than “KAI-lah,” as the letter “a” in Spanish makes an “ah” sound.
What Are the Spiritual Meanings of Kayla?
Spiritually, Kayla is often associated with the concept of the “crown” (Keter in Hebrew). This suggests a connection to higher consciousness, wisdom, and spiritual victory. It represents a person who is destined to lead or achieve great things through honorable means.
Is Kayla Short for Anything?
Kayla often stands alone as a full given name. However, it can serve as a nickname for Michaela (Mikayla), Kaila, or even Kalina. Some parents use it as a diminutive for compound names like Kayla-Rose or Kayla-Marie.
What Words Rhyme with Kayla?
Kayla has many rhyming counterparts, making it easy to use in poetry or songs. Common rhymes include Layla, Jayla, Shayla, Tayla, Gala, and Baila.
