What does Maila mean and where does it come from?
The name Maila has Finnish origins, derived from the name 'Maila', which is a diminutive of 'Maria'. It gained popularity in the United States among Finnish immigrants and has maintained a relatively low profile in names dating back to the early to mid-20th century. Maila also became associated with
Cultural significance
Maila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Finland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a form of the name mary.
Peak popularity
Reached #3489 in 2024 — currently #3624 in the US.
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Related Reading
Finland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maila?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maila?
Maila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maila Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Maila Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Maila Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Maila Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Maila Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Maila Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Maila right now?
Falling — down 135 spots — currently #3624 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3624 | 42 | ▼ down 135 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #3489 | 45 | ▼ down 237 · -10% births |
| 2023 | #3252 | 50 | ▼ down 709 · -29% births |
| 2022 | #2543 | 70 | ▲ up 649 · +37% births |
| 2021 | #3192 | 51 | ▲ up 306 · +19% births |
| 2020 | #3498 | 43 | ▲ up 4223 · +187% births |
| 2015 | #7721 | 15 | ▲ up 289 |
| 2010 | #8010 | 15 | ▲ up 3197 · +67% births |
| 2005 | #11207 | 9 | ▲ up 1035 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #12242 | 7 | ▼ down 3818 · -30% births |
| 1995 | #8424 | 10 | ▲ up 2345 · +43% births |
| 1990 | #10769 | 7 | ▼ down 666 · +17% births |
| 1985 | #10103 | 6 | ▲ up 1342 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #11445 | 5 | — |
The story of Maila
Maila is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 499 total births recorded, Maila remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11445 in 1980 to #3252 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maila in 2024:
Maila by decade
Maila peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 10 | |
| 1980s | 17 | |
| 1990s | 60 | |
| 2000s | 131 | |
| 2010s ★ | 238 | |
| 2020s | 130 | |
💎Maila has only 499 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maila?
What names sound and feel like Maila?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maila also consider these
Common questions about the name Maila
What does the name Maila mean?
Maila means "a form of the name Mary" — a name rooted in Finland 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 Maila?
Maila is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maila have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maila?
Maila originates from Finland tradition. Finland 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 Maila?
Maila is a three-syllable name pronounced MAH-EE-luh. 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 Maila?
Maila pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Finland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.