Ayla

Moonlight, halo — a girl name of Turkish origin

GenderGirl
OriginTurkish
MeaningMoonlight, halo
PronunciationAY-luh

Popularity of Ayla in the United States

#77Rank in 2025
3,149Births in 2025
#69 in 2024Peak Popularity
↑ Rising10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Ayla

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.

Ayla Around the World

Ayla is used in 2 languages worldwide.

Languages
TurkishDutch
Details

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

If you like Ayla, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

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.

Need More Name Ideas?

Like Ayla? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.

Try Baby Name Generator