What does Gila mean and where does it come from?
Gila (גילה) is a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'joy' or 'happiness'. It is commonly used in Israel and within Hebrew-speaking communities. The name reflects a positive and cheerful sentiment, often chosen for girls born during joyous occasions. Gila has a pleasant sound and is reasonably popular amo
Cultural significance
Gila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of joy.
Peak popularity
Reached #3546 in 1967 — currently #7773 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gila?
Gila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gila Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gila Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gila Claire
French influence · crisp
Gila Jane
Literary · strong
Gila Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gila right now?
Rising fast — up 3785 spots — currently #7773 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7773 | 14 | ▲ up 3785 · +75% births |
| 2022 | #11558 | 8 | ▼ down 3377 · -38% births |
| 2021 | #8181 | 13 | ▼ down 220 |
| 2020 | #7961 | 13 | ▲ up 1014 · +8% births |
| 2015 | #8975 | 12 | ▲ up 6155 · +100% births |
| 2010 | #15130 | 6 | ▼ down 3172 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #11958 | 8 | ▼ down 2692 · -20% births |
| 2000 | #9266 | 10 | ▲ up 1404 · +43% births |
| 1995 | #10670 | 7 | ▲ up 2551 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #13221 | 5 | ▼ down 8316 · -67% births |
| 1985 | #4905 | 15 | ▲ up 5774 · +200% births |
| 1980 | #10679 | 5 | ▼ down 4044 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #6635 | 8 | ▼ down 1481 · -20% births |
| 1970 | #5154 | 10 | ▼ down 1104 · -9% births |
| 1965 | #4050 | 11 | — |
The story of Gila
Gila entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. With 586 total births recorded, Gila remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4927 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7773 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Gila in 1967:
Gila by decade
Gila peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 11 | |
| 1930s | 7 | |
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 20 | |
| 1960s | 73 | |
| 1970s | 91 | |
| 1980s | 85 | |
| 1990s | 87 | |
| 2000s | 90 | |
| 2010s ★ | 103 | |
| 2020s | 13 | |
💎Gila has only 586 total recorded births since 1920 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Gila?
Famous people named Gila
G(
Gila (historical community leader)
Gila led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Gila?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gila also consider these
Common questions about the name Gila
What does the name Gila mean?
Gila means "joy" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Gila?
Gila is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Gila have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Gila?
Gila originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Gila?
Gila is a two-syllable name pronounced G IY1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gila trending right now?
Gila is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.