Kayla
- Meaning
- Modern name with several proposed origins
- Origin
- English
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What does Kayla mean?
Kayla means “Modern name with several proposed origins”.
Kayla has several proposed naming routes, including a modern formation from Kay and a connection with Michaela. It has also been linked with the Yiddish form Kaila. These possibilities do not produce one certain meaning, so “crown,” “fortress,” and “who is like God” should not be treated as interchangeable definitions.
Kay is a natural shortening, while Kaila offers a neighboring spelling. A family using Kayla to honor a Michaela may have a clear personal explanation even when broader accounts disagree. The two-syllable form can stand independently without an expanded formal name, and its modern history does not make it incomplete.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Nicknames for Kayla
Short forms for everyday use.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Kayla?
United States · 2025Explore how often Kayla is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US girls rank
- #364 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Girls named Kayla
- 838 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 10.4% Fewer than 2024
Kayla over time
United States · Girls
Recorded births
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Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights girls, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Girls | #364 | 838 |
| 2024 | Girls | #336 | 935 |
| 2023 | Girls | #324 | 952 |
| 2022 | Girls | #280 | 1,133 |
| 2021 | Girls | #254 | 1,217 |
| 2020 | Girls | #216 | 1,340 |
| 2019 | Boys | #13,157 | 5 |
| 2019 | Girls | #182 | 1,613 |
| 2018 | Boys | #13,180 | 5 |
| 2018 | Girls | #149 | 1,892 |
| 2017 | Girls | #138 | 2,128 |
| 2016 | Girls | #129 | 2,471 |
| 2015 | Girls | #116 | 2,740 |
| 2014 | Girls | #101 | 3,012 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Kayla
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Makayla
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Who is like God?
Listed as a related name to Kayla.
Keyla
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Variant of Kayla; meaning depends on its derivation
Listed as a related name to Kayla.
Michaela
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Who is like God?
Listed as a related name to Kayla.
Kaylee
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Modern name with several proposed origins
Shares the recorded meaning “Modern name with several proposed origins” with Kayla.
Milani
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Modern name with several proposed origins
Shares the recorded meaning “Modern name with several proposed origins” with Kayla.
Adley
Unisex- Meaning
- Modern name with several proposed origins
Shares the recorded meaning “Modern name with several proposed origins” with Kayla.
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