Find out how popular the first name Eyla has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eyla by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Eyla is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 40 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Eyla.

The history of the first name Eyla

The name Eyla is believed to have its origins in the ancient Germanic languages, particularly Old Norse, where it was derived from the word "ey" meaning "island" or "land by the sea." This suggests that the name may have been borne by individuals who lived in coastal regions or on islands.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Eyla dates back to the 9th century, when it appeared in the Icelandic Landnámabók, a medieval manuscript that chronicles the settlement of Iceland. This indicates that the name was already in use among the Norse people who settled in Iceland during the Viking Age.

In the 11th century, the name Eyla was mentioned in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of narratives that recount the lives and adventures of the early Icelandic settlers. One notable figure from this period was Eyla Höddansdóttir, a powerful chieftain's wife who played a significant role in the Laxdæla Saga, one of the most famous Icelandic sagas.

During the Middle Ages, the name Eyla spread beyond the Norse regions and gained popularity in other parts of Europe. In the 13th century, a German noblewoman named Eyla von Andechs was recorded as the Abbess of the Benedictine convent in Andechs, Bavaria.

In the 16th century, the name Eyla was also found in Scotland, where it was borne by Eyla MacLeod, the daughter of a prominent Scottish chief from the Clan MacLeod of Lewis. She lived during the tumultuous period of the Scottish Reformation and was known for her role in defending her family's lands and traditions.

Another notable figure with the name Eyla was Eyla Björnsdóttir, an Icelandic poet and writer who lived in the 17th century. She is celebrated for her contributions to Icelandic literature and for her poems that captured the beauty and harshness of life in Iceland during that era.

While the name Eyla has its roots in the ancient Germanic languages, it has endured through the centuries and continues to be used in various parts of the world today, particularly in Scandinavian countries and regions with strong Norse heritage.

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 Eyla was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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