Myla — Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Myla is a modern variant of Mila, a name rooted in Slavic words for "gracious" and "dear." It joins the wave of soft, two-syllable names ending in -a that have become popular for American girls in the 21st century.

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What Does the Name Myla Mean?

Myla is generally treated as a spelling variant of Mila, tracing to Slavic roots -- such as the Slavic milu, "dear" or "gracious" -- giving the name a warm, affectionate meaning.

The Origin & History of Myla

Unlike long-established European names, Myla is a recent English-language spelling that emerged alongside the broader rise of Mila, Maya, and Kyla in the 2000s and 2010s, favoring the -yla ending for a softer visual and phonetic feel.

Cultural Reach

Myla gained wider public visibility when tennis champion Roger Federer named one of his twin daughters Myla in 2009, helping introduce the spelling to a global audience.

Famous People Named Myla

Notable bearers include Myla Federer, daughter of tennis champion Roger Federer, and Myla Dalbesio, an American fashion model.

Nicknames & Variations

My and Mylie are occasional nicknames. Related spellings include Mila, Kyla, and Mayla.

Is Myla a Good Name in 2026?

Myla fits neatly alongside popular contemporary names like Mila and Maya while still standing slightly apart, making it a good option for parents who want a familiar sound with a less common spelling.

Myla ranked #186 among US girls' names in 2024 SSA data, with 1,624 babies given the name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Myla mean?

Myla is treated as a variant of Mila, generally understood to mean "gracious" or "dear."

Is Myla the same name as Mila?

They share the same root and meaning; Myla is simply an alternate spelling that has become popular in its own right.

Is Myla a popular name?

Yes -- it has been a steady top-200 US girls' name for several years.

Who is a famous Myla?

Myla Federer, daughter of tennis champion Roger Federer, is one well-known bearer of the name.