Kayla
Kayla is a girl name of American origin meaning “Narrow strait; keeper of the keys”, pronounced KAY-luh. It ranked #364 in the United States in 2025, given to 838 babies, and peaked at #11 in 1995. Common nicknames: Kay, Kiki.
How popular is Kayla 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 Kayla mean, and where does it come from?
Kayla emerged in the twentieth century as a feminine form of Kyle, drawing on the Scottish Gaelic "caol," meaning "narrow strait," though it is also sometimes read as a diminutive of Michaela or Kayley, meaning "keeper of the keys." The name entered widespread American consciousness through Kayla Brady, a beloved character on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, which helped propel it to the top of the popularity charts throughout the 1990s. Kayla remains a well-loved, versatile choice decades later.
How is Kayla used around the world?
Kayla is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Kayla?
Famous People Named Kayla
- Kayla Harrison — American Olympic gold medalist in judo and professional MMA fighter
- Kayla Itsines — Australian fitness entrepreneur and author
Similar Names to Kayla
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Sibling Name Ideas for Kayla
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kayla mean?
Kayla is a girl name of American origin meaning "Narrow strait; keeper of the keys." Kayla emerged in the twentieth century as a feminine form of Kyle, drawing on the Scottish Gaelic "caol," meaning "narrow strait," though it is also sometimes read as a diminutive of Michaela or Kayley, meaning "keeper of the keys." The name entered widespread American consciousness through Kayla Brady, a beloved character on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, which helped propel it to the top of the popularity charts throughout the 1990s.
How do you pronounce Kayla?
Kayla is pronounced KAY-luh. Common variations include Kaila, Kayleigh, Caela.
Is Kayla a girl name?
Yes, Kayla is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Kay, Kiki.