Declining since 1998, #1,777 for girls today.
Popularity of Shayla since 1950
Babies named Shayla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 46 |
| 1960s | 149 |
| 1970s | 1,649 |
| 1980s | 5,565 |
| 1990s | 9,278 |
| 2000s | 9,567 |
| 2010s | 3,827 |
| 2020s | 852 |
Meaning & origin
Shayla first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1950, but its real ascent began in the late 20th century. It reached its peak rank in 1999 and has since followed a downward trajectory, reflecting a shift away from names popular in the 1990s. In 2025, the name ranked 1,777th, with about 1 in 14,224 girls receiving the name. The name was most common in Virginia, New Jersey, and Arizona during its peak, suggesting a regional preference for this modern-sounding coinage. While its exact origins remain unclear, Shayla fits a pattern of invented names that combine a familiar first syllable with a fashionable ending, a trend that produced many similar names of the era.
Shayla emerged in the mid-20th century, first recorded in the United States in 1950. It is considered a modern coinage, likely formed by combining the popular phonetic elements 'Shay-' (as in Shay or Shae) with the feminine suffix '-la'. Its rise in the 1990s reflects a trend toward invented names with soft, melodic sounds.
Where Shayla 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shay, Lala
Sibling names for Shayla
Names that share Shayla's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Brianna, Kayla, Alyssa, Jenna, Megan, Keely, Lisha, Shalon, Tyonna, Breyona, Deshay, Kierston, Nashla, Nikeya, Rayonna, Shada, Shaleen, Shalise, Shamaya, Shaney, Shelina, Shyloh, Tashayla, Tionne, Latessa, Shamara, Shamone, Shaneen, Sharea, Shyasia, Tyshay, Shanasia, Shaneil, Breshay, Charne, Chrisha, Jaleea, Keandria, Keyuna, Nashea, Shadaya, Shatora, Sheniya, Sheray, Tishara, Tonae
Brothers: Tyler, Cody, Brendan, Dylan, Evan, Tayvon, Dallan, Davaughn, Deavon, Nashawn, Torrell, Treshon, Dashan, Deshone, Donyea, Jaaron, Kshawn, Kyshaun, Shawon, Terelle, Tishawn, Treyshawn, Davaun, Deavin, Jayshun, Jshon, Marquest, Myshawn, Taesean
Names like Shayla
Names whose popularity has moved with Shayla's over the last 50 years.
