Rising since 1985, #827 for girls today.
Popularity of Aila since 1920
Babies named Aila per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 31 |
| 1990s | 61 |
| 2000s | 519 |
| 2010s | 1,576 |
| 2020s | 2,075 |
Meaning & origin
Aila is a name of Scottish and Finnish origins that has been steadily rising in popularity in the United States since the 1980s. First recorded in 1920, it reached a peak rank of 827 in the 2020s and saw its highest popularity year in 2021. The name is currently given to about 1 in every 4885 baby girls, reflecting its growing but still uncommon status. Aila is most popular in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Nevada, states that often favor distinctive names with melodic sounds. Its dual heritage and simple pronunciation make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that is both rooted and contemporary.
The name Aila has multiple possible origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it is derived from 'ail' meaning 'rock' or 'place', often interpreted as 'from a strong place'. Alternatively, it may be a Finnish name from 'aika' meaning 'time' or a variant of 'Aili', a form of Heli meaning 'holy light'. It has seen modern use in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States since the 1920s.
Where Aila is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Aila” around the world
Where Aila lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ai, Lala, Ails
Sibling names for Aila
Names that share Aila's style, for a brother or sister.
