MallowbyNames

Teila

TAY-luh · Probably a modern coinage, likely a variant of Teela or a blend of names like Tia and Sheila; true meaning uncertain.

Peak popularity
1985
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Teila since 1956

Babies named Teila per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1427411960198020002020Most births 1985Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1950s5
1960s16
1970s20
1980s141
1990s90
2000s38
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Teila is a rare modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1956. It has never ranked in the top 1000 and has remained consistently uncommon, with a peak in 1985. The name saw its highest usage during the 1980s, when similar sounding names like Kayla and Leila were trendy. Despite its low frequency, Teila has maintained a stable presence, with occasional births in recent decades. Its exact meaning is unclear, but it likely originates as a creative variant of names like Teela or a combination of popular name elements. Teila has no strong ties to any particular state or region, reflecting its scattered, low-level use across the country. For parents seeking a distinctive yet simple name, Teila offers a soft sound and a modern feel without being tied to any specific cultural tradition.

Teila first appeared in the United States in 1956, during a period when similar-sounding names such as Teela and Kayla were gaining popularity. It is likely a modern coinage, formed by combining elements of existing names (e.g., the "T" sound of Tina or Tia with the "-la" suffix popularized by names like Sheila and Kayla). It does not have a known historical or linguistic root outside of English-language naming trends.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Tei, Tey, Teela

Variants: Teela, Teyla

Sibling names for Teila

Names that share Teila's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Kayla, Tia, Leila, Mila, Shelby

Brothers: Tyler, Kyle, Ethan, Liam, Caleb

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

T is for Teila, our favorite little girl.

T is for Teila…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Teila's letter becomes Teila's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Teila's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Teila mean?
Teila is likely a modern invented name; its meaning is uncertain, though it may be a variant of Teela or a blend of names like Tia and Sheila.
How popular is the name Teila currently?
Teila has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak year was 1985, but it has always been rare, with fewer than 5 babies per year in most years.
Is Teila a girl's name?
Yes, Teila is almost exclusively given to girls in the United States.