Ayla
Ayla is a girl name of Turkish origin meaning “Moonlight, halo”, pronounced AY-luh. It ranked #77 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,149 babies, and peaked at #69 in 2024.
How popular is Ayla in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Ayla mean, and where does it come from?
Ayla has dual origins that add to its charm. In Turkish, it means "moonlight" or "halo of light around the moon." In Hebrew, it is a variant of Elah, meaning "oak tree." The name gained recognition through Jean M. Auel's novel The Clan of the Cave Bear, whose protagonist is named Ayla. It is short, melodic, and easy to pronounce across languages — qualities that have helped it gain traction in diverse cultures worldwide.
How is Ayla used around the world?
Ayla is used in 2 languages worldwide.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Famous People Named Ayla
- Ayla — protagonist of The Clan of the Cave Bear novel series
Similar Names to Ayla
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ayla
Looking for names that pair well with Ayla? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ayla mean?
Ayla is a girl name of Turkish origin meaning "Moonlight, halo." Ayla has dual origins that add to its charm. In Turkish, it means "moonlight" or "halo of light around the moon.
How do you pronounce Ayla?
Ayla is pronounced AY-luh. Common variations include Aila, Eyla.
Is Ayla a girl name?
Yes, Ayla is traditionally a girl name.