Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Zayla
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “modern name; uncertain origin”
- Meaning
- modern name; uncertain origin (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- ZAY-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,012
- US babies 2025
- 248
- Best rank
- #801 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Zayla
Zayla is often said to mean “modern name; uncertain origin”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
Zayla is a modern name whose origin is not firmly documented, so its meaning is uncertain. It is similar in sound to names like Layla, Kayla and Zaila, and the Z beginning gives it an energetic, contemporary feel. Some sources connect it to Arabic or other roots, but these explanations are not well established. Zayla emerged in the United States in the twenty-first century along with other names that start with Z. Pronounced ZAY-luh, it is short, bright and easy to spell. Zay or Zaya can serve as nicknames, and the name suits parents looking for a fresh, modern choice.
Popularity over time
Zayla first appears in US Social Security records in 1994. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 4 different years, starting in 2021. Its best national rank was #801 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 351 babies. In 2025, 248 babies were named Zayla, and it ranked #1,012 nationally. That is 44% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5,310 in 2000, #1,941 in 2010, and #1,012 in 2025. Of the 3,949 US girls named Zayla since records began, 44% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,697 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Emberlynn, Cielo, Aspyn, Tallulah, and Alianna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zayla ranked highest in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #248 | 7 |
| Oklahoma | #544 | 8 |
| Oregon | #618 | 6 |
| Colorado | #702 | 8 |
| Arizona | #817 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Zayla is usually pronounced ZAY-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with Z and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Zayla
A few middle names that flow with Zayla: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zayla
Similar names
Shyla Girl
SHY-luh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#2,322
Zola Girl
ZOH-luh
Italian
#1,338
Lyla Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#80
Jayla Girl
JAY-luh
“blend of Jay and -la” · American (modern coinage)
#530
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
Shayla Girl
SHAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,793
Iyla Girl
EYE-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#525
Kaila Girl
KAY-luh
“modern variant of Kayla” · American (modern coinage)
#2,133
Kayla Girl
KAY-luh
“modern coinage; possibly from Kay” · American (modern coinage)
#364
Lists that include Zayla
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zayla mean?
Zayla is often said to mean “modern name; uncertain origin”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Zayla?
Zayla has modern American roots. Zayla is a modern name whose origin is not firmly documented, so its meaning is uncertain.
Is Zayla a popular name?
Not especially. Zayla ranked #1,012 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Zayla a boy or girl name?
Zayla is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Zayla?
Zayla is usually pronounced ZAY-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