What does Kila mean and where does it come from?
Kila is considered an anglicized form of the Irish name Caoilinn (Caoin lean), which means 'slender, fair', and is often used in various contexts to describe beauty. Despite its Irish roots, Kila gained popularity in other English-speaking countries within the last few decades. It is relatively unco
Cultural significance
Kila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slender, fair, or pretty.
Peak popularity
Reached #1648 in 1972 — currently #1809 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kila?
Kila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kila Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kila Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kila Claire
French influence · crisp
Kila Jane
Literary · strong
Kila Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kila right now?
Holding steady — currently #1809 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1809 | 391 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1814 | 371 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1819 | 341 | ▲ up 11779 · +5583% births |
| 2020 | #13598 | 6 | ▲ up 3188 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #16786 | 5 | ▼ down 6864 · -55% births |
| 2010 | #9922 | 11 | ▼ down 5863 · -69% births |
| 2005 | #4059 | 35 | ▲ up 636 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #4695 | 25 | ▲ up 602 · +39% births |
| 1995 | #5297 | 18 | ▲ up 956 · +29% births |
| 1990 | #6253 | 14 | ▲ up 1571 · +75% births |
| 1985 | #7824 | 8 | ▼ down 2114 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #5710 | 12 | ▼ down 2480 · -45% births |
| 1975 | #3230 | 22 | ▲ up 3502 · +214% births |
| 1970 | #6732 | 7 | ▲ up 439 · +40% births |
| 1965 | #7171 | 5 | — |
The story of Kila
Kila entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 898 total births recorded, Kila remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7081 in 1960 to #1809 in 2023. Kila is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kila in 1972:
Kila by decade
Kila peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 13 | |
| 1960s | 42 | |
| 1970s | 188 | |
| 1980s | 143 | |
| 1990s | 174 | |
| 2000s ★ | 241 | |
| 2010s | 91 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Kila has only 898 total recorded births since 1957 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kila?
Famous people named Kila
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Kila (Irish poet or writer)
Kila used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
K(
Kila (Celtic chieftain)
Kila bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
K(
Kila (Irish saint)
Kila helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
K(
Kila (Irish poet or writer)
Kila used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kila?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kila also consider these
Common questions about the name Kila
What does the name Kila mean?
Kila means "Slender, fair, or pretty" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Kila?
Kila is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kila?
Kila originates from Irish tradition. Irish 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 Kila?
Kila is a two-syllable name pronounced K IH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kila a common or rare name?
Kila is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.