Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Aila
Girl
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Pronunciation
- EYE-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #827
- US babies 2025
- 329
- Best rank
- #752 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Aila
The origin of Aila is uncertain.
Aila is a name whose origin is uncertain. It is used in Finland as a form of Helga or Aili, and it has also been linked to Scottish, Hebrew and Arabic sources, but no single derivation is agreed upon. Aila has a soft, simple sound, usually pronounced EYE-luh. It feels gentle, fresh and international. It suits families who want a short, distinctive name that is easy to pronounce once heard. Ai and Lala are possible nicknames, and the name pairs well with many middle names.
Popularity over time
Aila first appears in US Social Security records in 1920. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 7 different years, starting in 2019. Its best national rank was #752 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 378 babies. In 2025, 329 babies were named Aila, and it ranked #827 nationally. That is 132% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,404 in 1920, #5,495 in 2000, #1,860 in 2010, and #827 in 2025. Of the 4,268 US girls named Aila since records began, 49% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,576 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Bexley, Saoirse, Waverly, Jianna, and Brynleigh.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Aila ranked highest in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #54 | 11 |
| New Mexico | #298 | 5 |
| Nevada | #433 | 6 |
| Massachusetts | #444 | 12 |
| Utah | #540 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Aila is usually pronounced EYE-luh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Aila
A few middle names that flow with Aila: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Aila
Similar names
Tala Girl
TAH-luh
“uncertain; several unrelated sources”
#1,217
Bella Girl
BEL-uh
“beautiful” · Italian
#136
Laila Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#413
Jayla Girl
JAY-luh
“blend of Jay and -la” · American (modern coinage)
#530
Lila Girl
LY-luh
“play (Sanskrit); night (Arabic)” · Sanskrit
#187
Leila Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#259
Nyla Girl
NY-luh
“uncertain; possibly one who succeeds” · American (modern coinage)
#236
Myla Girl
MY-luh
“variant of Mila or Miles” · American (modern coinage)
#210
Kyla Girl
KY-luh
“narrow strait; feminine of Kyle” · Scottish
#580
Briella Girl
bree-EH-luh
“short form of Gabriella” · American (modern coinage)
#362
Willa Girl
WIL-uh
“will, desire; protection” · English
#422
Leyla Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Turkish
#611
Lists that include Aila
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Aila mean?
The origin of Aila is uncertain.
Is Aila a popular name?
Yes. Aila ranked #827 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Aila a boy or girl name?
Aila is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Aila?
Aila is usually pronounced EYE-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings