Declining since 2007, #1,548 for girls today.
Popularity of Keila since 1956
Babies named Keila per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 34 |
| 1960s | 158 |
| 1970s | 388 |
| 1980s | 745 |
| 1990s | 1,576 |
| 2000s | 2,212 |
| 2010s | 1,682 |
| 2020s | 629 |
Meaning & origin
Keila first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1956, but it was not until the late 20th century that the name gained traction. Its peak came in 2008, when it reached its highest rank of 1,548th. Since 2007, the name has been in steady decline, reflecting the broader downturn of similar-sounding names like Kayla. Keila is most common in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Florida. The spelling Keila represents one of many creative respellings that emerged as parents sought a distinctive twist on popular names. While its exact origins are debated, the name fits comfortably within the modern American naming landscape, blending soft sounds with a straightforward pronunciation.
Keila is most likely a modern English respelling of Kayla, which itself emerged in the late 20th century as a variant of Kay or a feminine form of Michael. The name Michaela derives from the Hebrew Mikha'el, meaning 'who is like God?' The specific spelling Keila may also reflect influence from the Gaelic name Caoilfhionn, but its predominant usage in the United States follows the Kayla trend.
Where Keila 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.
“Keila” around the world
Where Keila lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kay, Kei, Keke
Sibling names for Keila
Names that share Keila's style, for a brother or sister.
