Kayla
/ˈkeɪ.lə/
Kayla emerged as a modern American creation, combining the popular phonetic elements “kay” and “la.” Its rise can be traced to a specific cultural moment: the introduction of the character Kayla Brady on the soap opera Days of Our Lives in 1982.
The television effect was staggering. Kayla rocketed from obscurity to No. 11 in 1995, its peak year - making it one of the most popular girls’ names of the 1990s. At its height, it was given to nearly 12,000 American girls annually.
The fall has been equally dramatic. By 2024, Kayla ranked No. 14 with just 931 births, a fraction of its 1990s volume. The decline has been relentless: the name lost positions every single year from 2015 (No. 336) to 2024.
What the name Kayla means
Kayla spawned numerous variants at its peak, including Kaylee, Kaylynn, and Makayla. This proliferation of related names may have hastened the original’s decline by diffusing its appeal.
The 2-syllable structure is clean and energetic, with a bright opening consonant and an open ending. It reads as youthful and straightforward.
As a name that defined an era, Kayla now carries strong generational associations. Parents choosing it today are making a distinctly counter-trend selection, which may appeal to those who prefer established names over novelty.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Kayla
Kayla - similar names
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