MallowbyNames

Kayal

KAH-yahl · It may mean 'lake' or 'pond' in Tamil, but the name's exact meaning is uncertain outside South Indian contexts.

2025 rank (girls)
#13,208
Babies named in 2025
6
Peak popularity
2017
2025 frequency
1 in 267,878 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2017

Declining since 2017, #13,208 for girls today.

Popularity of Kayal since 1988

Babies named Kayal per year in U.S. Social Security records.

510151990200020102020Most births 2017Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s7
1990s6
2000s11
2010s95
2020s42

Meaning & origin

Kayal is a name of Tamil origin that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1988. Its popularity peaked in 2017, after which it has been on a declining trajectory, but it remains a distinctive choice rooted in South Indian culture. The name's meaning is often tied to bodies of water, giving it a natural, serene quality. While not among the most common names, Kayal has maintained a steady presence, particularly in communities with Tamil heritage.

Kayal is a name of Tamil origin, likely derived from a Tamil word for a body of water such as a lake or pond. It appears in modern usage, particularly in South Indian communities, and has gained some popularity in the United States since the late 1980s. The name may also be a variant of Kayla or a short form of longer Tamil names.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kay, Kaya

Variants: Kayalvizhi

Sibling names for Kayal

Names that share Kayal's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Ananya, Divya, Maya, Priya, Sara

Brothers: Arjun, Kiran, Nikhil, Ravi, Vikram

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kayal, our favorite little girl.

K is for Kayal…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kayal's letter becomes Kayal's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kayal's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kayal mean?
Kayal likely means 'lake' or 'pond' in Tamil, though its exact meaning is uncertain outside South Indian contexts.
Is Kayal a popular name?
In 2025, Kayal ranked 13,208 in the United States, with about 1 in 267,878 newborn girls given the name. Its popularity peaked in 2017.
Is Kayal a girl's name?
Kayal is almost exclusively used for girls in the United States.