Gayla

Meaning of Gayla

Gayla, pronounced /ˈɡeɪlə/, is a feminine given name that traces back as an elaboration of Gail—a short form of Abigail, itself derived from the Hebrew ’avigayil (“my father is joy”). In mid-20th-century Anglo-American usage, especially in Indiana, Gayla held a modest but steady presence: annual occurrences ranged from five in 1947 and 1964 to a peak of twenty-six in 1954, corresponding to rankings between 143rd (its strongest showing in 1949) and 183rd (in 1964) from 1946 through 1969. The name’s final-a vowel aligns with a broader post-war preference for fluid, melodic endings, projecting an approachable yet composed character. Although it never broke into the top 100, Gayla consistently balanced traditional etymology with a subtle phonetic modernization. For parents drawn to a name with vintage mid-century flair and a discreet nod to its Hebrew origin, Gayla offers both historical depth and a refined, lyrical quality.