Declining since 2004, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Kila since 1957
Babies named Kila per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 13 |
| 1960s | 42 |
| 1970s | 183 |
| 1980s | 143 |
| 1990s | 174 |
| 2000s | 242 |
| 2010s | 91 |
| 2020s | 43 |
Meaning & origin
Kila is an exceptionally rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1957. Its peak year was 1972, but even then it never reached widespread popularity. As of 2025, it ranks at 14942, with a 1-in-321,453 incidence rate. The name's trajectory has been falling since 2004, reflecting its consistent rarity. Despite a slight uptick in the 1970s, Kila has never appeared among the top states, indicating its scattered use. Its etymology remains opaque, likely a modern coinage or a variant of names like Kyla or Keela. Parents choosing Kila today select a name that is distinctive and uncommon, with no strong associations to famous bearers or cultural touchstones.
Kila is a name of uncertain origin, likely a modern invention or a variant of names like Kyla or Keela. It may also derive from Hawaiian 'kila' meaning 'to shine' or 'to look', but this connection is not well-attested in given-name use. Records show sparse usage in the United States since the late 1950s.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kila
Names that share Kila's style, for a brother or sister.
