Kayla
Kayla has disputed origins. One theory traces it to the Hebrew "kelila," meaning crown or laurel. Another suggests it derives from the Yiddish "Kaila," a name of uncertain origin. A third theory sees it as a modern coinage based on the "Kay-" prefix popular in the 1980s. The name essentially appeared in the late 20th century, with no deep historical roots. Kayla entered the US top 1000 in 1978 and exploded. It peaked at #11 in 1995, making it one of the most successful girl names of the late 1980s and 1990s. The driver was the broader trend toward short, modern-sounding names with the "K" opening. Kayla is also a character in the soap opera "Days of Our Lives," which gave the name pop-culture visibility. I find Kayla has a brisk, slightly 1990s quality — the "K" opening is firm, and the "yla" ending gives it a slightly exotic feel. The name has been outside the US top 200 since 2014. Kayla is a female name of Hebrew / Arabic (modern coinage) origin that means "Laurel, crown (or "who is like God")". 90s, brisk, and modern. The name sounds friendly. Kaylas tend to be outgoing. US peaked #11 in 1995. Now top 200. Well-known people named Kayla include Kayla (modern coinage), Kayla (Days of Our Lives character), Kayla (fictional, various), Kayla (Hebrew/Arabic root). Common variations and related forms of Kayla include Kaila (variant), Kailah (variant), Kaylah (variant), Kaylie (related).