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Origin and meaning of the name Keila

What is the origin of the name Keila?

The name Keila is of Hebrew origin and means "voice of God." It's a variation of the biblical name Kaela or Kaiel, which are derivations of the male name Caleb, meaning "faithful" in Hebrew. However, it's important to note that names often have multiple origins and variations throughout history, and regional influences may result in different interpretations.

Learn more about the origin of the name Keila

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Keila

The name Keila is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Kayla" which means "slender" or "trim". It is variantly spelled as Kayla, Keala, and other forms. In some cultures, it may also be considered a variant of the Irish name Caoláin, meaning 'slender'. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s due to the character Kayla Capshaw from the film "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". Today, Keila is a common name among many English-speaking countries, appreciated for its simple elegance and meaning.

Character traits associated with the name Keila

Keila is often characterized by a strong-willed and independent spirit. She demonstrates determination and resilience, consistently striving for her goals and overcoming challenges with tenacity. Her empathetic nature allows her to connect well with others, making her an effective communicator and a valued friend or colleague. Keila also possesses a creative flair, which she often uses to express herself in various artistic ventures. She has a keen sense of justice and is known for standing up for what she believes in, demonstrating courage and conviction. Overall, Keila is a dynamic individual who brings positivity, intelligence, and drive to any situation she encounters.

Popularity of the name Keila

The given name Keila has seen varying degrees of popularity across different regions and time periods. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Keila was among the top 2,000 most popular names for girls born in the late 1980s to early 2000s but has since declined in usage. The name peaked in popularity in the mid-1990s, with around 700 babies given the name annually. Globally, Keila is more common in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries due to its similarity to the names Celia and Keila being derived from the Latin name Caecilia. In Brazil, for example, Keila was ranked among the top 100 most popular names for girls born in the late 20th century. However, it is essential to note that popularity trends can change over time, and current data might differ from the historical patterns mentioned above.

Famous people with the name Keila

Keila Kirsch is a Brazilian singer and songwriter known for her participation in the third season of the reality show "The Voice Brasil." Born on October 26, 1987, she gained recognition with her unique voice and emotional performances during the competition. After being eliminated, she continued to pursue her music career independently, releasing several successful singles such as "O Que Você Não Sabia da Minha Vida" and "Eu Te Amo."

In the world of academia, Keila M. Schwartz is a renowned economist specializing in health economics. She is a professor at the Johns Hopkins University and has conducted extensive research on topics such as health insurance markets and drug pricing. Her work has been published in numerous prestigious journals, and she has received several awards for her contributions to the field.

Lastly, Keila Deeb is an Egyptian-American lawyer who gained fame for being the first female Muslim American judge. Appointed to the bench of the Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois in 2016, Judge Deeb made history as one of the few Arab-American judges in the United States. Her career includes work in various legal fields, including civil litigation and criminal defense.

Variations of the name Keila

Keila is primarily a feminine given name of Portuguese origin, derived from the Germanic name Kali, which means "strong, vibrant." There are several variations and spellings of this name across different cultures and languages:

1. Keila - The original Portuguese variation.
2. Kaella - A modern English variant.
3. Kayla - An English version with a slightly different spelling.
4. Kaila - A slight alteration in spelling, also used in some English-speaking regions.
5. Cayla - A phonetic variation often found in American English.
6. Keely - An Irish Gaelic name with a similar sound and meaning that can sometimes be confused with Keila.
7. Kaela - A less common variant, combining elements from the names Kali and Aela (old Norse for noble).
8. Keyla - A variation in Spanish-speaking countries.
9. Kajia - A Scandinavian variation with a different origin but similar sounding.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 26 July 2025

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