Astounding Ayla: A popular classic
Ayla is a name with both Turkish and Hebrew origins. You might find its airy sound and elegant simplicity appealing for your baby.
It’s a name that has traversed cultures and generations, which makes it a timeless choice.
Popularity of the name
Ayla has seen a significant rise in popularity over time, especially in the early 21st century.
In 2000, it was ranked only in the top 900 names for girls, but by 2020, it was just shy of the top 130, ranking at 131 in the US.
This ascent continued in 2021, with Ayla ranking as the 92nd most popular name for baby girls in the United States, up from 98 in 2020.
Celebrities with the name
- Ayla Brown: American singer and former American Idol contestant
- Ayla Kell: Actress known for her role in the TV series “Make It or Break It”
- Ayla Woodruff: Instagram Star
- Ayla Tesler-Mabe: Guitarist
- Ayla Jalyn: YouTube Star
- Ayla Weissman: Instagram Star
- Ayla Rose: Model
- Ayla Palmer: Instagram Star
- Ayla Schwartz: Stage Actress
- Ayla Rae Neal: TV Actress
- Ayla Dimitri: Instagram Star
- Ayla Celik: Pop Singer
- Ayla is also the name of the protagonist in Jean M. Auel’s popular “Earth’s Children” series
Nicknames and variations
Ayla offers a range of nicknames and variations:
- Ay
- Layla
- Aylah
- Aila
Some foreign variants include:
- Eila (Finnish)
- Aïla (French)
- Ailah (Arabic)
Modern spelling variants:
- Aila (using I instead of Y)
- Aylee (EE replacing Y)
- Ayleigh (EY for a unique touch)
A masculine variation of this name is Aylan.
Pronunciation of the name
Ayla is typically pronounced as AY-luh.
It has two syllables with the emphasis on the first: AY-luh.
A common mispronunciation is “Ah-lah”.
It rhymes with Kayla.
Similar names
If Ayla appeals to you, you might also consider:
- Kayla
- Layla
- Skylar
- Isla
- Maya
These names share a lyrical quality and similar phonetic elements with Ayla.
Origin of the name
Ayla is a name that bridges cultures and languages, with meanings that range from the beauty of moonlight to the strength of an oak tree.
In Turkish, “Ayla” beautifully translates to “halo of light around the moon” or “moonlight”.
The word “Ay,” means “moon”. Ayla signifies “with the moon”, combining “ay” (moon) and “la” (with).
Ayla can be interpreted as “halo around the moon.” This meaning not only captures the visual essence of a moon’s halo but also conveys a sense of luminosity and grace.
While in naming contexts, Ayla primarily denotes a halo, it’s also linked to similar names like Aylin, Tülin, and Aylanur, all of which share the root “ay.”
In Hebrew, Ayla is associated with “terebinth tree” or “oak tree”, stemming from “ela” and “alon”. These trees symbolize endurance and resilience.
Another interpretation in Hebrew links Ayla to “doe” or “gazelle”, derived from “ayala” and “ayelet”, symbolizing grace and beauty.
Ayla’s Turkish and Hebrew origins offer a blend of celestial and earthly connotations. The name has adapted through various cultures, leading to alternative spellings like “Aila” and “Ailah”, which maintain its phonetic qualities.
Its appeal lies in its blend of natural and celestial imagery, making it a meaningful choice for a child’s name.
Selecting Ayla connects a child to these diverse cultural narratives, offering a name with depth and a global resonance.
