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Kyla
Pronounced KY-lah /ΛkaΙͺ.lΙ/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
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
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.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
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Kyla (1981-)Filipino singer and actress dubbed the country's Queen of R&B, born Melanie Calumpad
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Kyla Ross (1996-)American Olympic gold-medal artistic gymnast, member of the 2012 Fierce Five
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Kyla Pratt (1986-)American actress known for The Proud Family and the Dr. Dolittle films
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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 β 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.