HomeBaby Names DirectoryKyla

Kyla

♀ Girl

Pronounced KY-lah /ˈkaɪ.lə/High

Meaning: Feminine form of Kyle, from Scottish Gaelic caol meaning 'narrow' or 'strait'; also sometimes considered a feminine form of Kyle or Kylie, or associated with Hebrew elements meaning 'crown'Medium

In 30 seconds: Kyla is a sleek, feminine form of Kyle with Scottish Gaelic geography at its root. Crisp and modern, it has steadily risen as a girls' alternative to Kylie.
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Origin MediumScottish Gaelic, Hebrew
MeaningFeminine form of Kyle, from Scottish Gaelic caol meaning 'narrow' or 'strait'; also sometimes considered a feminine form of Kyle or Kylie, or associated with Hebrew elements meaning 'crown'
U.S. rank (2025)#580 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births512 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2004
Total births (all-time)≈ 43,666

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200419402025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kyla is primarily understood as a feminine form of Kyle, which derives from the Scottish Gaelic caol, meaning a narrow body of water or strait. It may also be interpreted as a variant of Kylie, the Australian English adaptation of an Aboriginal word for a curved throwing stick, or as a feminized form of the Hebrew-origin Kayla. Its exact etymology is layered.

Kyla emerged as a given name primarily in the United States in the late 20th century. It rose alongside other Ky- names in the 1990s and 2000s and has maintained steady use as a softer, more feminine alternative to Kylie. It ranks comfortably among modern girls' names.

Did you know? The name Kyle comes from a Scottish geographical term — a kyle is a narrow sea strait — meaning Kyla carries a quietly dramatic landscape reference, evoking the rugged Scottish coastline.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Kyla — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KylieKaylaKylah

Nicknames

Ky

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kyla…

Kylie— shares the Ky- root and the same breezy modern energy
Kayla— similarly structured two-syllable girls' name with the same -la ending
Layla— popular two-syllable girls' name with the same soft, melodic feel
Isla— two-syllable Scottish-rooted girls' name with the same crisp, geographical charm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kyla mean?

Kyla is a feminine form of Kyle, from Scottish Gaelic caol meaning 'narrow' or 'strait,' with possible additional associations with 'crown.'

How do you pronounce Kyla?

It is said KY-lah — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Kyla a boy or girl name?

Kyla is used exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Kyla?

Kyla has been a steady modern name in the U.S. since the 1990s, ranking among the top 400 girls' names in recent years.