Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kaila
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “modern variant of Kayla”
- Meaning
- modern variant of Kayla
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KAY-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,133
- US babies 2025
- 88
- Best rank
- #369 (1991)
- Peak year
- 1991
Meaning and origin of Kaila
Kaila is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern variant of Kayla”.
Kaila is a modern variant of Kayla, a name that grew popular in the late twentieth century. Kayla itself may have developed from Kay or as an alternative to Kaylee and Michaela. The Kaila spelling gives the name a slightly different look while keeping the same pronunciation. It is sometimes associated with Hawaiian-style names, adding to its breezy, relaxed feel. Kaila sounds friendly and bright, with stress on the first syllable. Kai and Kay are simple nicknames, and the name pairs well with many surnames.
Popularity over time
Kaila first appears in US Social Security records in 1964. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 23 different years, starting in 1986. Its best national rank was #369 in 1991, the same year it reached its highest count of 698 babies. In 2025, 88 babies were named Kaila, and it ranked #2,133 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,659 in 1980, #462 in 2000, #1,019 in 2010, and #2,133 in 2025. Of the 14,556 US girls named Kaila since records began, 41% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 4,223 babies. Since 2010, 2,358 more have been named Kaila.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lyndsey, Cristal, Chanel, Shayna, and Leanna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaila ranked highest in Hawaii, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #191 | 5 |
| New Jersey | #1263 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #1308 | 6 |
| New York | #1589 | 8 |
| Texas | #1970 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kaila is usually pronounced KAY-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Kaila
A few middle names that flow with Kaila: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaila
Similar names
Shayla Girl
SHAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,793
Shyla Girl
SHY-luh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#2,322
Zola Girl
ZOH-luh
Italian
#1,338
Kayla Girl
KAY-luh
“modern coinage; possibly from Kay” · American (modern coinage)
#364
Jayla Girl
JAY-luh
“blend of Jay and -la” · American (modern coinage)
#530
Kyla Girl
KY-luh
“narrow strait; feminine of Kyle” · Scottish
#580
Briella Girl
bree-EH-luh
“short form of Gabriella” · American (modern coinage)
#362
Zayla Girl
ZAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,012
Lyla Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#80
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
Paola Girl
pah-OH-luh
“small” · Italian
#1,260
Lists that include Kaila
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaila mean?
Kaila is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern variant of Kayla”.
What is the origin of the name Kaila?
Kaila has modern American roots. Kaila is a modern variant of Kayla, a name that grew popular in the late twentieth century.
Is Kaila a popular name?
Not especially. Kaila ranked #2,133 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kaila a boy or girl name?
Kaila is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kaila?
Kaila is usually pronounced KAY-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