Rising since 1993, #503 for girls today.
Popularity of Nylah since 1992
Babies named Nylah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 149 |
| 2000s | 2,008 |
| 2010s | 7,192 |
| 2020s | 4,390 |
Meaning & origin
Nylah first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1992, a relative newcomer among given names. Its popularity rose steadily from the early 1990s, mirroring the trend for soft, vowel-ending names with a modern feel. By 2019, it achieved its peak rank, though it has since settled at a moderate popularity, ranking 503rd in 2025. That year, roughly 1 in 2,724 newborn girls was named Nylah. The name has seen consistent use, with a rising trajectory since 1993. Geographically, Nylah is most popular in New Mexico, South Carolina, and Maryland, indicating a broad appeal across diverse regions. Its emergence and growth align with the American fondness for inventive spellings and melodic sounds, making Nylah a distinctive choice without deep historical roots.
Nylah is a modern American coinage, first recorded in 1992. It likely emerged as a respelling or elaboration of names like Nyla or Nila, adding an 'h' for a softer, more feminine effect. The name's rise in the 2010s reflects a broader trend of using stylish, melodic names with a contemporary feel. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is firmly rooted in modern naming practices rather than ancient etymological roots.
Where Nylah 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.
“Nylah” around the world
Where Nylah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
New Zealand
12
babies in 2025
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Nylah
Names that share Nylah's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aaliyah, Zara, Mila, Kaiya, Layla, Brielle, Jalayah, Jamiyah, Zamiyah, Damiyah, Deajah, Jahnae, Jahniya, Jakyra, Jamyah, Janiyla, Maniyah, Nalaya, Nykia, Timia, Tyliyah, Zanyah, Zyonna, Adayah, Armanie, Azarah, Briyonna, Jahnya, Jamayah, Jamyrah, Janilah, Khamiyah, Kyliah, Maaliyah, Malaiyah, Malajah, Malayla, Marlaysia, Mylasia, Myliah, Nyeli, Nyomie, Shamiyah, Derriona, Ahlayah, Azhane, Camyah, Cyriah, Danylah, Dazaria, Emanii, Jahleah, Jahniah, Jahzaria, Jaiyah, Jalyiah, Kanylah, Kymiah, Melayah, Nioka, Quaniya, Reniah, Shalayah, Teriyah, Xariyah, Zamyia, Zniyah, Zyara
Brothers: Kai, Zion, Jace, Amir, Miles, Jahmari, Dacari, Dearius, Jakarri, Keyonte, Pharrell, Tyjae, Zaquan, Ziyon, Aamari, Jahmeer, Jhamari, Kmari, Mahkai, Makhari, Ziair, Daeshon, Jacquees, Tyquon, Jabarie, Jymir, Khamarion, Nyel, Nyzier, Trevyon, Zhyaire, Zhyon
Names like Nylah
Names whose popularity has moved with Nylah's over the last 50 years.
