Ayla is a feminine given name of Turkic origin, derived from the Turkish word "ay", which means "moon". It is often spelled as Ayle or Ayla, with variations such as Ajla and Ajola also being used.
The name Ayla has gained popularity in recent years due to its use in various forms of media. One notable example is the character Ayla from the novel "Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel, which follows the life of a female Cro-Magnon who was adopted by Neanderthals during the Ice Age. The name has also been used in other works of fiction, such as the video game "Final Fantasy XV", where it is the name of one of the main characters.
In some cultures, the name Ayla is associated with luck and prosperity due to its connection to the moon. It is often given to children born under the sign of the Scorpio zodiac, which is said to be ruled by the moon. Additionally, in Turkish culture, the name Ayla is considered to bring happiness and good fortune.
Despite its growing popularity, Ayla remains a relatively uncommon name in many parts of the world. However, it has been gaining traction as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children. Ultimately, whether or not someone chooses to use the name Ayla will depend on their personal preferences and cultural background.
The name Ayla has seen a significant surge in popularity over the past few decades, with a marked increase starting around 1983. Between 1963 and 1979, there were only six years with more than five births per year. However, from 1983 onwards, the number of annual births featuring the name Ayla has consistently been in the hundreds or thousands. The highest recorded year was 2022, with 2751 births, demonstrating a clear preference for this name among parents during recent times.