Alternatives to Ayla

Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.

Breton cognate of Angela, from Breton ael "angel".

Rayla might be many things: a modern successor to Kayla; an elaboration of Rae; a blend of Riley and Taylor or Rae and Ayla; a possible substitute for for Raelynn; an alternative to Layla; a two-for-one honor, for a Ray and a Laura, a Rachel and a Kayla. Appearing in the US stats for the first time back in the 1950s, it wasn't until the late 2010s that it began to be used more substantially. In a recent year, for example, it was given to around 110 girls.

Zayla debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2021 and is rising. The name might be thought of as the popular Ayla or Layla with the trendy letter Z at the beginning. Variations include Zaila, Zaylah, Zaylani, and the male Zaylan.

Brisa is commonly used in Latino families, all but unheard of in others.

Gayla is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It most likely developed as a feminine form of Gale (meaning "cheerful" or "merry" in Middle English) or as a variant of Gaila, which has Hebrew roots meaning "joy" or "wave." Some also connect it to the Latin "gaillardia" (meaning "lively" or "high-spirited"). Gayla experienced modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and early 1960s alongside other melodic names ending in 'a'. Though never reaching the top rankings, the name conveys a sense of happiness and vivacity. The name's bright, uplifting meaning and pleasant sound continue to attract parents seeking a relatively uncommon name with positive associations and straightforward pronunciation.

A short and sweet Hindi name which has been relatively popular in the UK – peaking at #280 there in 2003.

Cayla is a feminine name with multiple origin theories. Most commonly, it's considered a modern variant of Kayla, which itself derives from the Irish Gaelic name Caoilainn, meaning 'slim and fair.' Alternatively, it may be a variation of the Hebrew name Michaela, meaning 'who is like God.' The distinctive spelling with 'C' emerged in popularity during the late 20th century as parents sought unique variations of familiar names. Cayla gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, appreciated for its soft sound and contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. The name conveys a sense of feminine grace and modern simplicity while remaining recognizable and accessible.

Iyla, now a Top 1000 girls' name in the US, resembles many other popular names, from the Top 100 Isla to the Turkish Ayla, with which it shares a moonlit meaning.

Reminiscent of well-established choices like Bella and Beulah, but also of trendy options like Baylor, Kayla, and Bailey, Bayla is a name with a variety of different origins. Also spelled as Baila and Baela, this spelling was chosen for 42 girls in the US in a recent year

Adra is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Arabic 'Adhra,' meaning 'virgin' or 'pure,' or could be connected to the Hebrew 'Aderet,' meaning 'cloak' or 'glory.' Some sources suggest it might be a shortened form of names like Alexandra or Adriana, or possibly derived from an ancient settlement in Spain. The name's brevity gives it a modern, streamlined quality despite its potentially ancient roots. Adra is uncommon in most countries, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking individuality. The name has a strong yet feminine quality with its balanced sounds and straightforward pronunciation. Its cross-cultural possibilities make it versatile across different linguistic and cultural contexts, while its shortness makes it practical and contemporary.

Alda's brother name Aldo has been a mainstay of the U.S. popularity chart for decades now, and the related Alden is soaring up as well. This version has never really caught on. (Maybe it's the association with Alan Alda: great actor, unlikely namesake for a little girl.) However, there is possible hope now that Alba and Alma are on the rise. Aida and Arden are more familiar alternatives.

Tayla is a hybrid name, ala Sayla and Mikayla. Recipe for sudden -- if brief -- new name success: take two of the trendiest choices, Taylor and Kayla, stir, and voila...Tayla, which made it onto the hit parade in the mid-1990s.

An Arabic name with a powerful and alluring meaning, in Islamic tradition, Isra refers to one part of the Night Journey that the Prophet Muhammad, in which he led other prophets such as Ibrahim, Isa, and Musa in prayer. Popular in Belgium, the UK, and the Netherlands, it is climbing the US charts.

Chayla is a feminine name with contemporary origins, likely developed as a variation of names like Kayla, Shayla, or Layla. It emerged in American naming patterns in the 1990s and gained modest popularity through the early 2000s. The name has a melodic quality with its soft 'ch' sound and flowing syllables. Chayla may be related to the Hebrew name Kayla, meaning 'crown of laurels,' or could be a creative modern invention. Its spelling with 'Ch' gives it a distinctive appearance while maintaining a familiar pronunciation. The name conveys a sense of uniqueness balanced with approachability and has been embraced by parents seeking something slightly unconventional yet easy to pronounce and remember.

A phonetic variation of the Biblical Selah.

Earthier version of the name of England's first female professional writer, Aphra Behn.

A feminine form of the mid-century Dale, or a form of the botanical name Dahlia.

The rise of Ayla seems to have revived this variation.