Meaning: Its source is Caoilinn, an Irish Gaelic name meaning "Slim and fair."

Origin: "Caoilinn."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English.

Nickname For: Michaela

Alternative Spellings: Caela, Caihla, Caila, Cayla, Kaala, Kaelah, Kaila, Kailah, Kaylah, Kaylha and Kaylla

Variant Forms: Cala, Calla, Kahla, Kailagh, Kalae, Kalah, Kalla, Keyla and Kaylie

Non-English Forms: Kaela

Source Forms: Caoilinn

Popularity: The name Kayla ranked 17th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics, 338th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census and 16th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1994 US Census.

This name first made its appearance on state popularity lists of the 1990s, and has been trending upward in usage ever since.

Narrative: Some authorities associate this name with the Yiddish name Kelila, meaning ''crown of laurel.'' Others believe it is a short form of Michaela.