Ayla

♀ Girl

Pronounced AY-luh /ˈeɪ.lə/High

Meaning: Moonlight; or oak tree halo — Hebrew ayla (oak tree) or Turkish ay (moon) + la (light/halo)Medium

In 30 seconds: A name of dual heritage — from Hebrew meaning 'oak tree' or Turkish meaning 'moonlight' — Ayla gained literary fame through Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear series and has since become a top-200 American favorite.

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Origin HighHebrew, Turkish

MeaningMoonlight; or oak tree halo — Hebrew ayla (oak tree) or Turkish ay (moon) + la (light/halo)

U.S. rank (2025)#77 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births3,149 girls (0.20% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 38,015

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ayla has dual origins: in Hebrew Ayla means 'oak tree'; in Turkish it combines ay (moon) and a diminutive suffix, meaning 'moonlight' or 'lunar halo.' The name is used independently in both traditions.

In the United States Ayla gained attention through Jean Auel's bestselling novels beginning in 1980. It has been climbing U.S. charts and now ranks in the top 200 girls' names.

Did you know? Jean Auel's 1980 novel The Clan of the Cave Bear and its sequels feature a prehistoric heroine named Ayla, which significantly raised the name's profile internationally.

Variations

AilaEilaAylin

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Ayla Kell (1990-)
American actress known for Make It or Break It

If you like Ayla…

Layla— two-syllable Arabic night/moon name with the same lyrical quality

Isla— short melodic name with the same bright vowel-led sound

Luna— moon-meaning Latin name with the same celestial softness

Eva— short Hebrew/Latin name with the same crisp two-syllable openness

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ayla mean?

Ayla has two possible origins: in Hebrew it means 'oak tree'; in Turkish it means 'moonlight' or 'lunar halo.' Both interpretations are valid.

How do you pronounce Ayla?

It is said AY-luh /ˈeɪ.lə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ayla a boy or girl name?

Ayla is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Ayla?

Ayla has been rising in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 200 girls' names.