Kayla
Narrow strait; keeper of the keys — a girl name of American origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Kayla
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.
Kayla 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.
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
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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.
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