Find out how popular the first name Aila has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Aila by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Aila is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 365 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Aila.

The history of the first name Aila

The name Aila has its roots in the Finnish language and culture, originating from the Finnish word "ä?ili," which means "wave" or "swell." It is believed to have been first used as a given name in Finland during the late 19th century, reflecting the country's close connection to the sea and its coastal regions.

The name Aila can also be found in other Nordic countries, such as Sweden and Norway, where it is spelled slightly differently as "Ayla" or "Aila." This variation in spelling is likely due to the influence of different regional dialects and the adaptation of the name to local linguistic traditions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Aila can be found in Finnish literature from the early 20th century. The novel "Merenneito" (The Mermaid) by Finnish author Teuvo Pakkala, published in 1904, featured a character named Aila, which may have contributed to the popularization of the name in Finland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Aila. One of the most famous was Aila Meriluoto (1924-2022), a renowned Finnish poet and translator who won numerous prestigious literary awards, including the Eino Leino Prize and the State Prize for Literature.

Another prominent figure with this name was Aila Sariolainen (1914-2000), a Finnish actress and singer who gained fame for her performances in numerous Finnish films and stage productions during the mid-20th century.

In the field of sports, Aila Jussila (1939-2015) was a Finnish long-distance runner who competed in the 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 3000 meters event at the 1964 Tokyo Games.

Beyond Finland, the name Aila has been used by individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Aila Dharker (born 1949) is an Indian actress and writer who has appeared in numerous Bollywood films and stage productions, as well as in British television series.

Aila Iyengar (1924-2018) was an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of the Bharatanatyam dance form.

While the name Aila may have originated in the Finnish language and culture, its usage has transcended geographical boundaries, with individuals from diverse backgrounds embracing this name and contributing to its rich history and legacy.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aila was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aila, please contact us.

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