Skyla

♀ Girl

Pronounced SKY-luh /ˈskaɪ.lə/High

Meaning: Variant of Skylar, from Dutch schuyler meaning scholar or shelter, combined with the feminine -a ending; also influenced by the English word sky from Old Norse sky meaning cloudHigh

In 30 seconds: Skyla is a fresh, airy variant of Skylar meaning scholar with sky-blue energy. Feminine, modern, and breezy, it captures both the intellectual heritage of its Dutch root and the open, limitless feel of the sky.

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Origin HighDutch, Old Norse

MeaningVariant of Skylar, from Dutch schuyler meaning scholar or shelter, combined with the feminine -a ending; also influenced by the English word sky from Old Norse sky meaning cloud

U.S. rank (2025)#986 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births257 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 14,337

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

Skylar derives from Dutch Schuyler meaning scholar. The -a ending form Skyla feminizes the name and gives it a lighter, more lyrical quality. Both Sky and Skylar have been popular in the United States since the 1980s.

Skyla sits at the intersection of the sky-name trend and the scholar-name tradition. It appeals to parents who want a name that is both nature-connected (sky) and intellectually grounded (scholar).

Did you know? The Schuyler family, one of the most prominent Dutch families in colonial New York, gave the name Schuyler its aristocratic associations in early America. Hamilton, the musical, features Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, making the name historically vivid for new generations.

Overall data confidence 84%

Behind the Name — Skylar — Dutch etymology via SchuylerU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SkylarSkylerSkylah

Nicknames

SkySkye

Famous Bearers

★Skyla (fictional, 2010)
The sixth Gym Leader of the Unova region in Pokémon Black and Pokémon White (Nintendo DS, released 2010 in Japan and 2011 in North America), based in Mistralton City and specializing in Flying-type Pokémon. Also a professional cargo-jet pilot, Skyla reappears in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 and the animated series, making her one of the most recognized characters in one of the world's best-selling entertainment franchises.

If you like Skyla…

Skylar— direct variant sharing the Dutch scholar root and sky imagery

Isla— shares the airy, light two-syllable feminine appeal and modern rise

Nova— same celestial bright name energy with a rising modern appeal

Aurora— shares the sky and light imagery with a more elaborate feminine character

Explore names like Skyla

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Skyla mean?

Skyla means scholar from Dutch Schuyler, and also carries the meaning of sky from Old Norse, creating a name of intellectual and natural beauty.

How do you pronounce Skyla?

It is said SKY-luh, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Skyla the same as Skylar?

Skyla is a feminized variant of Skylar sharing the same Dutch scholar origin. Both are used as girls names.

Is Skyla a popular name?

Skyla has been rising in the United States in the 2000s and 2010s alongside Skylar and other sky-themed names.