Find out how popular the first name Nayla has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nayla by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Nayla is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 168 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nayla.

The history of the first name Nayla

The name Nayla is of Arabic origin and is believed to have derived from the Arabic word "nai'l," which means "attainment" or "achievement." The name is predominantly found in Arabic-speaking regions of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as among Arabic communities around the world.

The earliest recorded use of the name Nayla dates back to the 7th century CE, during the early Islamic era. It is believed that the name gained popularity among Arab families as a way to express their hopes and aspirations for their daughters to achieve great things in life.

One of the earliest known references to the name Nayla can be found in the works of Arabic literature and poetry from the 8th and 9th centuries CE. Some historians suggest that the name may have been inspired by the Arabic word "nai'la," which means "a bright star" or "a shining light."

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Nayla. One of the earliest recorded examples is Nayla al-Andalusiyyah (1023-1090 CE), a renowned Andalusian poet and philosopher from medieval Spain. Her works were widely celebrated for their beauty and depth.

Another notable figure is Nayla Moushir (1900-1979), an Egyptian actress and singer who was one of the pioneers of Arabic musical theater. She was known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, and her contributions to the Egyptian arts and culture are widely recognized.

In the 20th century, Nayla Comair-Obeid (1923-2011) was a prominent Lebanese writer and journalist who played a significant role in raising awareness about women's issues and advocating for gender equality in the Arab world.

Nayla Tuwayni (1943-2020) was a Syrian artist and sculptor whose works celebrated the resilience and strength of women. Her sculptures can be found in public spaces and museums around the world, and she is considered one of the most influential Arab artists of her time.

More recently, Nayla Al Khaja (born 1976) is a renowned Emirati film director and producer who has been instrumental in promoting the growth of the film industry in the United Arab Emirates. Her works have been showcased at numerous international film festivals and have received critical acclaim.

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

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

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