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Home › Baby Names Directory › Twyla

Twyla

♀ Girl

Pronounced TWY-lah /ˈtwaɪ.lɑ/High

Meaning: Y-spelling of Twila — likely from 'twilight' (or étoile/'twill'; debated) — famous via choreographer Twyla TharpLow

In 30 seconds: Twilight that dances: Twyla is the y-spelled dusk-name Twyla Tharp choreographed into legend (and Schitt's Creek poured coffee with). Artful, offbeat, and silver-houred.
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Origin MediumEnglish, American
MeaningY-spelling of Twila — likely from 'twilight' (or étoile/'twill'; debated) — famous via choreographer Twyla Tharp
U.S. rank (2025)#2995 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births56 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1964
Total births (all-time)≈ 7,189

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196419052025

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

Twyla is the y-spelling of Twila — most readably from 'twilight' (threads to étoile and 'twill' debated, which we note). Choreographer Twyla Tharp gave it five decades of artistic shimmer.

It registers thinly today. Rare, dusk at the leading root, and artfully lettered.

Did you know? Twyla Tharp — who has choreographed everything from Broadway to ballet — and Schitt's Creek's sweet café owner have made this the artiest spelling of the twilight name.
Overall data confidence 60%
Behind the Name — Twila — routes debated

Variations

TwilaTwilla

Nicknames

Twy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Twyla Tharp (1941–present)
    American dancer and choreographer, Tony and Emmy winner.

If you like Twyla…

Twila— the standard sister spelling
Tilly— a fellow quirky-cozy charmer
Willa— the companion artistic vintage pick
Lyla— a sister soft -yla name

Explore names like Twyla

By themeuncertainenglishvintagecelestial

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Twyla mean?

Twyla is a spelling of Twila, most readably from 'twilight'; the deeper routes are debated.

How do you pronounce Twyla?

It's said TWY-lah /ˈtwaɪ.lɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Twyla a boy or girl name?

Twyla is a girl's name.

How popular is Twyla?

Twyla is a rare vintage name in the U.S.

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