What does Teyla mean and where does it come from?
The name Teyla is commonly associated with the character Teyla Emmagan from the television series 'Stargate Atlantis,' which contributed to its popularity in the early 2000s. It has gained a following particularly in Western cultures, especially among fans of the show.
Cultural significance
Teyla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of she who is winged.
Peak popularity
Reached #4722 in 2010 — currently #17461 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Teyla?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Teyla?
Teyla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Teyla Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Teyla Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Teyla Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Teyla Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Teyla Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Teyla Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Teyla right now?
Falling — down 8533 spots — currently #17461 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #17461 | 5 | ▼ down 8533 · -58% births |
| 2023 | #8928 | 12 | ▲ up 2228 · +33% births |
| 2022 | #11156 | 9 | ▲ up 938 · +13% births |
| 2021 | #12094 | 8 | ▼ down 3359 · -33% births |
| 2020 | #8735 | 12 | ▼ down 819 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #7916 | 15 | ▼ down 3194 · -52% births |
| 2010 | #4722 | 31 | ▲ up 2093 · +72% births |
| 2005 | #6815 | 18 | — |
The story of Teyla
Teyla is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2004. With 284 total births recorded, Teyla remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6815 in 2005, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8928 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Teyla in 2010:
💎Teyla has only 284 total recorded births since 2004 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Teyla?
What names sound and feel like Teyla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Teyla also consider these
Common questions about the name Teyla
What does the name Teyla mean?
Teyla means "She who is winged" — 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 Teyla?
Teyla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Teyla have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Teyla?
Teyla 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.
Is Teyla trending right now?
Teyla is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Teyla a common or rare name?
Teyla is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.