Cayla

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.

Pronounced KAY-luh.

As of October 2026, Cayla ranked #4578 for girls in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #509 for girls in 1991.