Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Nylah
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Arabic· “uncertain; modern name”
- Meaning
- uncertain; modern name (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Arabic
- Pronunciation
- NY-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #504
- US babies 2025
- 590
- Best rank
- #363 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Nylah
Nylah is often said to mean “uncertain; modern name”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Arabic roots.
Nylah is a modern name used mainly in the United States. It is sometimes linked to the Arabic Nayla, often explained as one who attains, and sometimes to Nyla, a spelling that may be an invented feminine form of Niles or Neil. Because the name developed from several possible sources, its meaning is not certain. What is clear is its appeal: it has a soft, contemporary sound and a stylish look on paper. Spellings include Nyla and Nilah. Ny and Lala are sweet nicknames, and it pairs well with classic middle names.
Popularity over time
Nylah first appears in US Social Security records in 1992. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 18 different years, starting in 2008. Its best national rank was #363 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 870 babies. In 2025, 590 babies were named Nylah, and it ranked #504 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,364 in 2000, #605 in 2010, and #504 in 2025. Of the 13,739 US girls named Nylah since records began, 52% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,390 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Willa, Elle, Haisley, Demi, and Alaya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nylah ranked highest in New Mexico, South Carolina, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #207 | 8 |
| South Carolina | #216 | 23 |
| Maryland | #264 | 20 |
| Louisiana | #289 | 16 |
| Connecticut | #290 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Nylah is usually pronounced NY-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with N and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Nylah
A few middle names that flow with Nylah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nylah
Similar names
Alayah Girl
uh-LAY-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
#412
Aleah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
#965
Lylah Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#585
Aliah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“variant of Aaliyah; exalted” · Arabic
#1,192
Aniyah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“modern coinage, possibly from Anya” · American (modern coinage)
#485
Lilah Girl
LY-luh
“uncertain; linked to Lila and night” · Hebrew
#179
Amiyah Girl
uh-MY-uh
“modern variant of Amaya or Amia” · American (modern coinage)
#620
Maliyah Girl
muh-LEE-uh
“variant of Malia, Hawaiian form of Mary” · American (modern coinage)
#626
Zariah Girl
zuh-RY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#450
Kaliyah Girl
kuh-LEE-uh
“modern blend of Ka- and Aaliyah” · American (modern coinage)
#392
Ariah Girl
AR-ee-uh
“modern variant of Aria” · American (modern coinage)
#636
Mylah Girl
MY-luh
“variant of Mila or Myla” · American (modern coinage)
#605
Lists that include Nylah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nylah mean?
Nylah is often said to mean “uncertain; modern name”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Arabic roots.
What is the origin of the name Nylah?
Nylah has modern American and Arabic roots. Nylah is a modern name used mainly in the United States.
Is Nylah a popular name?
Yes. Nylah ranked #504 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Nylah a boy or girl name?
Nylah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Nylah?
Nylah 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