Kaela

“Derived from ‘Cailín’, which means 'girl'.”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#4148US 2023

35Births / yr

↑Rising

6.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 196700.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Kaela

KAH·EL·uh

/ˈkɑ.ˈɛl.ə/ · stress on KAH · 3 syllables

“Derived from ‘Cailín’, which means 'girl'.”

American origin · Girl name

What does Kaela mean and where does it come from?

Kaela is a popular name in the United States, often considered a variant of the name Kayla. It has gained recognition since the late 20th century. The name showcases a modern twist on traditional Irish names. Kaela has been used in popular culture, often appearing in films and television. Notable fi

Cultural significance

Kaela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from ‘cailín’, which means 'girl'..

Peak popularity

Reached #649 in 1996 — currently #4148 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Kaela?

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

Caela

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Kaela?

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

Kaela Grace

How popular is Kaela right now?

Rising fast — up 1938 spots — currently #4148 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#4148 · Top 3.1%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#4148	35	▲ up 1938 · +75% births
2022	#6086	20	▲ up 1720 · +43% births
2021	#7806	14	▼ down 1710 · -26% births
2020	#6096	19	▼ down 1674 · -41% births
2015	#4422	32	▼ down 1881 · -56% births
2010	#2541	72	▼ down 1242 · -58% births
2005	#1299	172	▼ down 430 · -32% births
2000	#869	254	▼ down 165 · -15% births
1995	#704	299	▲ up 104 · +21% births
1990	#808	248	▲ up 838 · +244% births
1985	#1646	72	▲ up 6966 · +929% births
1980	#8612	7	▼ down 2775 · -30% births
1975	#5837	10	▼ down 81 · +11% births
1970	#5756	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kaela

Best Year1995Rank #704

Peak Count299

Average Rank#4045

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202314 years

The story of Kaela

Kaela is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 6,243 total births recorded, Kaela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5756 in 1970 to #4148 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kaela in 1996:

Emily Jessica Ashley Sarah Samantha

Kaela by decade

Kaela peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	7
1970s	65
1980s	961
1990s ★	2,846
2000s	1,913
2010s	432
2020s	19

💎With 6,243 total births, Kaela is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kaela?

Common

KaeKaelKaelieKaely

What names sound and feel like Kaela?

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

Kaeyla

American · pure, keeper of

Kayela

American · pure or beloved.

Zaela

American · Derived from 'Zara',

Naela

American · Successful

Saela

American · A modern name

Common questions about the name Kaela

What does the name Kaela mean?

Kaela means "Derived from ‘Cailín’, which means 'girl'." — a name rooted in American 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 Kaela?

Kaela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kaela have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Kaela?

Kaela originates from American tradition. American 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 Kaela?

Kaela is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA1 EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Kaela?

Kaela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.