Holding steady.
Popularity of Gayla since 1921
Babies named Gayla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 39 |
| 1930s | 320 |
| 1940s | 1,352 |
| 1950s | 3,917 |
| 1960s | 3,330 |
| 1970s | 1,200 |
| 1980s | 387 |
| 1990s | 221 |
| 2000s | 66 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Gayla is a mid-20th century coinage, most popular during the 1950s. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1921, but its peak year was 1954. After that, its usage declined steadily. The trajectory has been stable since the 1970s, with very few births per year. Parents in the 1950s often paired it with other simple, melodic names. Today, Gayla is a rare choice, offering a retro feel without ranking in the top 1000.
Gayla emerged in the 20th century as a feminine variant of Gay, itself a short form of names like Gaynor or a use of the English word 'gay' meaning 'joyful'. In the mid-20th century, Gayla gained modest popularity in the United States, peaking in 1954.
Where Gayla is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Gayla
Names that share Gayla's style, for a brother or sister.
