Sayla (pronounced SAY-lah) drifts in on a warm breeze, a modern twist on the ancient Hebrew “Selah,” the musical pause that invites reflection and praise; some parents also hear an echo of the Arabic “sayl,” meaning “flowing water.” Either way, the name feels effortlessly nautical—think “sail” and sunlight sparkling on the waves—yet its roots whisper of calm contemplation. Pop-culture fans may picture Sayla Mass, the quick-witted heroine of the classic Gundam anime, giving the name an extra dash of spunky intelligence. In the United States it’s still delightfully uncommon—barely breaking the Top 900 but climbing steadily from just five girls in 1983 to 85 newborns in 2024—so a little Sayla is likely to be the only one in her class. All in all, it’s a name that balances serenity with adventure, perfect for parents who want their daughter’s first word in the world to sound like both a song and a horizon.