Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Naela since 1992
Babies named Naela per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2003, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Naela's real moment was 2020.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 37 |
| 2010s | 39 |
| 2020s | 23 |
Meaning & origin
Naela is an Arabic-origin name that first appeared on U.S. records in 1992. It has remained relatively rare, with a rank of 14,942 in 2025, meaning roughly 1 in 321,453 newborns received it in the latest year. The name reached its peak popularity in 2020, and its trajectory has been stable since. Naela's steadiness suggests it appeals to families seeking a distinct but not unfamiliar name, likely influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names like Layla or Nyla. As a feminine variant of Nael, it carries a clear meaning of success and attainment, resonating with those who value names with positive connotations. Though not among the top choices, Naela maintains a consistent niche presence.
Naela is a feminine given name of Arabic origin. It may derive from the Arabic root ن-ي-ل (n-y-l) meaning 'to attain' or 'to obtain', giving the meaning 'one who attains' or 'successful'. It is a variant of Naela, itself a feminization of Nael. The name has been used across Arabic-speaking communities and occasionally in other cultures.
“Naela” around the world
Where Naela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nae, Ela, Nay
Sibling names for Naela
Names that share Naela's style, for a brother or sister.
