Maila is of Finnish origin and means 'to protect'. It is a gender-neutral name, though it has historically been more commonly used for females. The name gained prominence due to its use by Maila Nurmi, an American actress known for her role as Vampira in the 1950s. In Finland, Maila is often considered a traditional and classic name, but worldwide, it remains relatively uncommon.
"Maila's popularity as a name sees a steady increase over time, with a significant surge in recent years, reaching an all-time high of 70 births in 2022."