Kayla, a popular and beloved name for girls, carries a beautiful meaning and a modern sensibility. This article delves into the origins, meaning, popularity, and variations of the name Kayla, providing a comprehensive overview for parents considering this name for their daughter.
The Meaning and Origin of Kayla
Kayla is a combination of the name Kay, often a diminutive of Katherine (meaning "pure") or a name of its own with connections to Arthurian legend, and the suffix "-la." Therefore, Kayla is generally interpreted to mean "pure." This association with purity gives the name a sweet and innocent quality.
Kayla: A Name for Girls
Kayla is overwhelmingly used as a feminine name. Its soft sound and pleasant meaning make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a modern yet meaningful name for their baby girl. The name Kayla evokes a sense of grace and simplicity.
Kayla Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
The popularity of the name Kayla has fluctuated significantly over the years, offering an interesting case study in name trends. Data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a detailed look at its usage:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1942 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1943 | 1,743 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1948 | 1,972 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1951 | 1,333 | 17 | 0.001% |
| 1956 | 1,158 | 38 | 0.002% |
| 1960 | 913 | 84 | 0.0044% |
| 1970 | 819 | 121 | 0.0076% |
| 1980 | 582 | 267 | 0.0183% |
| 1982 | 132 | 2,267 | 0.1517% |
| 1987 | 27 | 10,575 | 0.693% |
| 1990 | 14 | 17,538 | 1.0581% |
| 1991 | 12 | 18,542 | 1.1376% |
| 1995 | 11 | 16,086 | 1.0673% |
| 2000 | 13 | 13,312 | 0.8714% |
| 2005 | 25 | 8,614 | 0.5634% |
| 2010 | 49 | 5,044 | 0.35% |
| 2015 | 116 | 2,720 | 0.1869% |
| 2020 | 217 | 1,276 | 0.1002% |
| 2023 | 327 | 913 | 0.0705% |
As the table illustrates, Kayla experienced a meteoric rise in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, reaching peak popularity in the early to mid-1990s. Since then, its popularity has gradually declined, though it remains a well-recognized and frequently used name. The period from the late 1980s to the early 2000s represents the height of the name Kayla’s trendiness.
Regional Popularity: While national rankings provide a broad overview, name popularity can vary significantly by region. For example, in the District of Columbia, the name Kayla also saw a rise and fall mirroring the national trend.
Variations and Similar Names
The appeal of Kayla has led to numerous variations and similar-sounding names, offering parents a range of options within the same stylistic family. Some variations of Kayla include:
- Caela: An Irish name meaning "slim and fair."
- Caila: Another Irish variation meaning "slim and fair."
- Cayla: A Yiddish name, also meaning "slim, fair."
- Kaela/Kaelah: Irish names meaning "the laurel crown; style; slim and fair."
- Kaila: A Hebrew name meaning "the laurel crown; style."
- Kaylah: An Irish name meaning "slim and fair."
- Kaylie: An Irish name meaning "slim and fair; slender."
- Keyla: An Irish name meaning "slim and fair."
Names that sound similar to Kayla include:
- Gayla: A Hebrew name meaning "father of exaltation."
- Kyla: An English name meaning "narrow strait."
- Kaylea/Kayli: Gaelic names meaning "slender."
- Kala:
Similar names, offering a slightly different feel while retaining a connection to Kayla’s style, include:
- Kay: A short form of Kate or Catherine.
- McKayla: A form of Michaela.
- Shayla: A Gaelic name meaning "from the fairy palace."
- Tayla: A combination of T- and names ending in -ayla.
Conclusion
Kayla is a beautiful and versatile name with a rich history and a lovely meaning. Its combination of modern appeal and classic roots makes it a timeless choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their daughter. While its peak popularity may have passed, Kayla remains a strong and recognizable name that continues to resonate with many. The various spellings and similar-sounding names offer even more options for parents seeking a unique twist on this popular choice. Considering the popularity and meaning, Kayla is a name that carries both a sense of history and a contemporary charm.