Rayla

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.

As a relatively new creation, one exact meaning is hard to pin down, but some possibilities could include: "ray of light" from the word "ray"; "moonbeam" if you take the Turkish meaning of Ayla and combine it with the word "ray"; "ewe" if you consider it an elaboration of Rae; or "wise protection" as a feminine form of Raymond.

The name Rayla was used in the animated series "The Dragon Prince", and as the character is related to the moon, it is likely the creators used it as a smoosh of Ray and Ayla. First aired in 2018, the series does coincide with increased use of the name, suggesting some parents might have drawn inspiration from it.

Pronounced RAY-luh.

As of October 2026, Rayla ranked #1569 in US births in 2025 SSA.