Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nyla
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Arabic· “uncertain; possibly one who succeeds”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly one who succeeds (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Arabic
- Pronunciation
- NY-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #236
- US babies 2025
- 1,315
- Best rank
- #227 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Nyla
Nyla is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly one who succeeds”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Arabic roots.
Nyla is a modern name whose origin is uncertain. It is often linked to the Arabic Naila, one who attains or succeeds, and it is sometimes treated as a feminine form of the Irish Niall or as a variant of Nila. For many American parents its appeal lies mainly in its sound, which is close to names such as Lyla, Kyla and Myla. Nyla is short, smooth and contemporary, with a gentle ending that pairs easily with many surnames. The spellings Nylah and Naila are also used, and Ny is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Nyla first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 1941. Its best national rank was #227 in 2021, and the most babies received it in 2024, when 1,344 were named Nyla. In 2025, 1,315 babies were named Nyla, and it ranked #236 nationally. That is 31% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,846 in 1920, #1,446 in 1950, #4,260 in 1980, #1,033 in 2000, #405 in 2010, and #236 in 2025. Of the 27,714 US girls named Nyla since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 7,703 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Noa, Antonella, Maisie, Cataleya, and Lilith.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nyla ranked highest in Delaware, Vermont, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #42 | 14 |
| Vermont | #97 | 5 |
| Maryland | #101 | 44 |
| Mississippi | #112 | 21 |
| Connecticut | #114 | 26 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Nyla is usually pronounced NY-luh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Nyla
A few middle names that flow with Nyla: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nyla
Similar names
Lyla Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#80
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
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
Iyla Girl
EYE-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#525
Layla Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#36
Kayla Girl
KAY-luh
“modern coinage; possibly from Kay” · American (modern coinage)
#364
Nylah Girl
NY-luh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#504
Lists that include Nyla
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nyla mean?
Nyla is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly one who succeeds”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Arabic roots.
What is the origin of the name Nyla?
Nyla has modern American and Arabic roots. Nyla is a modern name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Nyla a popular name?
Yes. Nyla ranked #236 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Nyla a boy or girl name?
Nyla is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Nyla?
Nyla is usually pronounced NY-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