WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Myla

Girl name · 653 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Myla: 653 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 60 births in 2019.

Myla is a name of relatively modern coinage, likely arising as a feminine variant of the Irish name Miles or the Germanic name Milo, both of which derive from the Slavic element *milu*, meaning "gracious" or "dear." It also shares roots with the Latin *miles*, meaning "soldier," giving it a dual sense of sweetness and strength. The name gained visibility through the American actress Myla Dalbesio, a model and advocate for body positivity. While no major places are directly named after a Myla, the name’s melodic sound has made it a popular choice in Scotland since the early 2000s, often seen as a modern alternative to the more traditional Mila or Maya. Its rise reflects a broader trend toward short, vowel-rich names that feel both fresh and timeless.

Girl 18 of 52 years

Peak year
201960 babies
Latest (2025)
#7456 babies
Total births
653since 2008
5-year trend
▲ 21%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2019 · 60
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).