Shayla is an attractive baby name for girls. Following its rise to fame during the 1980s, Shayla has become a staple in American popular culture. Shayla Grey is the name of a main character on Weeds, and Shayla Nico is also the name of an important character on Mr. Robot. Keep reading to learn more about this baby name.
Meaning and Origin of the Name Shayla:
Shayla is a unique baby name with several possible origins. For many families, Shayla is a modern variation of the name Sheila. This name may derive from the Irish word sióg (meaning “fairy”) or from the Gaelic name Síle. While some etymologists believe that Síle is the Gaelic version of Cecilia (meaning “blind”), others believe that it derives from the Latin name Caelia (meaning “celestial” or “heavenly”). And as an elaboration of Shay or Shea, the name Shayla can also derive from the Irish name Séaghdha (meaning “majestic,” “esteemed,” or “admirable”).
Shayla also has several of other meanings throughout the world. In the Middle East, Shayla is an alternative spelling of Shaila. This name means “little mountain” in Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu. The Arabic spelling is شيلى, the Hindi spelling is शैला, and the Urdu spelling is شیلا. In Hebrew, the name Shaila means “question” or “request.” Finally, it can also derive from an elaboration of the name Shai (שַׁי) and simply mean “gift”.
Symbolism of the Name Shayla:
Shayla is a beloved name with several possible meanings. In Irish culture, many people associate Shayla with the fairy. Symbols of the fairy include enchanted dust and wings. In Middle Eastern culture, Shayla means “little mountain”. Due to the meaning, Shayla is the colloquial name of a type of hijab or headscarf that resembles a small mound. This headscarf symbolizes modesty.
Nicknames for the Name Shayla:
Coming up with nicknames can be hard. Thankfully, we've got a list here to help you out. Each of these nicknames offers something unique, so consider each one carefully and pick the best option for your baby!
Style of the Name Shayla:
Modern
Gender of the Name Shayla:
Shayla is a girl's baby name.
Pronunciation of the Name Shayla:
SHAY-lah
Number of Syllables in the Name Shayla:
Two
Emotion Evoked From the Name Shayla:
The name Shayla evokes feelings of sociability and strength.
Alternative Spellings for the Name Shayla:
- Shaylah
- Shaila
- Shaela
- Shajla
- Sheila
- Shelagh
- Shajla
Popularity of the Name Shayla:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Shayla was the 986th most popular baby name for girls in 2016. The name has not returned to the top 1,000 baby names list since.
Related Names for the Name Shayla:
Great Middle Names for Shayla and Their Meanings:
- Alair (happy, cheerful)
- Amity (friendship, harmony, congeniality)
- Candace (queen mother)
- Denise (follower of Dionysus)
- Florence (flowering, blossoming, flourishing)
- Gwyneth (fair, blessed)
- Irida (rainbow)
- Jennifer (fair one, blessed enchantress, white wave)
- Lexus (helper, defender)
- McKenzie (born of fire)
- Rhiannon (great queen)
- Tinsley (tin hill)
- Zuri (beautiful)
Famous People with the Name Shayla:
- Shayla Danielle Beesley (actress)
- Shayla Cowen (film producer)
- Shayla Ellis (fashion designer)
- Shayla Somer Gibson (daughter of singer Tyrese Darnell Gibson)
- Shayla Reese Griffin (cultural anthropologist)
- Shayla Janel Hill (entrepreneur)
- Shayla Nicole Hudson (television producer)
- Shayla Rae Kelley (daughter of Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton)
- Shayla Lawson (poet)
- Shayla Worley (artistic gymnast)
Shayla in Popular Culture:
- Shayla Grey (character on Weeds)
- Shayla Lumi (character in Hailstorm by Relina Skye)
- Shayla Nico (character on Mr. Robot)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Axiara.