What do you think of Aila?

[HD98]

I'm Scottish and my sister is Eilidh - pronounced Ay-lee (Ay as in day).
I don't want the confusion of Eilidh for my own which happens outside of Scotland. But I met a little Aila which I hadn't heard before. I liked the name and that it's not very common, it's Scottish, and it reminded me of Eilidh but with less confusion.

I like names that are short, sweet and simple. I'm just worried that this might but seem like a made-up name?
There are two pronounciations - Ay-la and Eye-la. I like the first because otherwise it just seems like a knock off of the popular Isla.

Be kind! Thanks

I also like the meaning - 'from a strong or resilient place'.

It's nice but why would you call your daughter the same name as your sister?

Oh sorry think I misunderstood/ so your sister is Ay-Lee, and you want your DD to be Ay-la? It's nice!

I’m due in November and this is the name I want for a girl (we are not finding out). I love the name, love that it’s not common and love the meaning (what made me choose it initially).

Downsides- like you say close to other Scottish names eg Ailsa, Isla, Ellidh... I’ve also not had a very good reception when I’ve mentioned to people I like it but I must admit, I love it, it goes with the middle name and our surname etc.

@whichteaareyou Yes, exactly. Sorry if it is worded in a confusing way!
But yes, Aila is similar sounding and I thought might be a good way to incorporate my sisters name in some way without the 'Eilidh' confusion.

@MissyPG Thank you! And congratulations! What were the negative comments you received? It's impossible to find a name that everyone will love, especially choosing one that's less common. So I hope you won't be put off using it.

It’s a beautiful name. I prefer the spelling Aeila though.

Aeila = Ay- as in day, luh
I’m not sure if you’re after that pronunciation though.

@TheVanguardSix Thank you, I like that (I really like the letter 'e' for some reason... ) I think my preference is just simple as possible though

Ay-luh is my preferred pronunciation!

Just people saying it’s very like other Scottish names or “it’s ok but they aren’t that keen”.

It’s so strange because I think there is almost a sheep mentality with names (at least where I live) and names become very popular and folk follow the grain with a rare few choosing less popular names. Whichever path you chose I find you get so many opinions and comments!

However nothing could put me off “aila” - the meaning is perfect for any baby born during the world right now... let’s face it they need to be “from a strong and resilient place”! And this one sure is 🤞🏼

It's very similar to other popular names- Isla, Ellie, Lyla etc. Girls' names at the moment have a lot of A, E, L and M sounds. Added to the fact there are more international names about, means Aila would be fine!
An alternative might be Ailsa? I really like that and it's very Scottish.

@MissyPG Oh well, if that's the worst they said then it's not too bad...
I think it's the perfect mix - uncommon but 'familiar'. I do think that often people won't be sure of a new name at first, but it will grow on them when they meet your little Aila.

Yes, I love the meaning too! Perfect.

I saw it on another thread on here today for the first time and added it to my shortlist!

It's lovely!

@PetraRabbit Thank you! I like that it's uncommon but doesn't stand out too much.

I do like Ailsa too. For some reason I didn't used to like it (maybe it was someone I knew...) It's definitely been a grower for me and growing on me still.

@wheresmymojo Aw, yay! I only heard it a couple of years ago for the first time and it was on my list right away too.

I'm not keen just because I read it as Isla.
I think the a in gaelic is pronounced I

Don't wish to sound critical OP but I don't think Aila is Scottish Gaelic or has the meaning you suggest.

Most reputable sources say that it's Finnish, for example :
[www.behindthename.com/name/aila

Ailsa used sometimes to be pronounced 'Eye-la' and is Norse. Its the name of a strong place (ie Aisa Craig island).
Meaning of the name is discussed here:
www.britishbabynames.com/blog/2013/03/ailsa.html

I do think Eilidh (Aylie) and Aila are very similar. Have you thought of Ailsa? Still Scottish, but that extra "s" changes the sound so they are not so close.

There is also Vaila (Vay-la) which is Scottish/Norse and pretty and perhaps closer to the pronounciation you prefer.

www.britishbabynames.com/blog/2015/01/name-help-uncommon-scottish-girls-name.html

I much prefer the spelling Ayla, but it is nice.

I really like Aila, it is a lovely name. I would pronounce it ail-a which does sound different at the end compared to Eilidh. Don't like Ailsa at all.

@florascotia2 You don't sound critical, I appreciate the information! I have also seen that it's Finnish but many sources saying it is both Finnish and Scottish Gaelic so that's good enough for me, I think.

I also like Vaila. I actually happen to be from the Shetland Islands which has Norse heratige and Vaila is one of the islands. So Vaila is great, other than I know a few!

It makes me think of the word “ailing”

I prefer Vaila.

Okay name but I would spell it Ayla. I've never heard of it spelt Aila and I think it just reminds me of an ailment spelt like that.