Ayla

“Moonlight”

Turkey origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#105US 2023

2.6kBirths / yr

↓Falling

23.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 196300.13% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ayla

EYE·LAH

/ˈaɪ.ˈlɑ/ · stress on EYE · 2 syllables

“Moonlight”

Turkey origin · Girl name

What does Ayla mean and where does it come from?

The name Ayla has Turkish origins where it means 'moonlight' or 'halo of light around the moon'. In Hebrew, the name translates to 'oak tree', symbolizing strength and endurance. It is a popular name across various cultures, especially in Turkey and Israel, and has found a place in the United States

Cultural significance

Ayla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Turkey-speaking communities, where it reflects values of moonlight.

Peak popularity

Reached #132 in 2020 — currently #105 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Ayla?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Ayla?

Ayla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ayla Grace

How popular is Ayla right now?

Declining — down 7 spots — currently #105 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#105 · Top 0.08%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#105	2,559	▼ down 7 · -7% births
2022	#98	2,757	▲ up 9 · +7% births
2021	#107	2,581	▲ up 25 · +29% births
2020	#132	2,006	▲ up 133 · +67% births
2015	#265	1,201	▲ up 86 · +31% births
2010	#351	914	▲ up 318 · +120% births
2005	#669	416	▲ up 210 · +65% births
2000	#879	252	▼ down 61 · +5% births
1995	#818	241	stable
1990	#818	241	▲ up 1423 · +424% births
1985	#2241	46	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ayla

Best Year2022Rank #98

Peak Count2,757

Average Rank#589

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

The story of Ayla

Ayla is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1963. A total of 23,670 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2241 in 1985 to #105 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ayla in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Ayla by decade

Ayla peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	6
1970s	15
1980s	1,058
1990s	2,431
2000s	5,632
2010s ★	12,522
2020s	2,006

What names sound and feel like Ayla?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ayla also consider these

Layla

Arabic · night

Aylla

Indigenous cultures · beautiful or light

Common questions about the name Ayla

What does the name Ayla mean?

Ayla means "Moonlight" — a name rooted in Turkey tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Ayla?

Ayla is currently ranked #105 in the United States as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ayla have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Ayla?

Ayla originates from Turkey tradition. Turkey names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Ayla?

Ayla is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ayla trending right now?

Ayla is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.