Nylah

Nylah shares a root with Nyla and Naila, reaching back to the Arabic nā'ila, meaning one who succeeds or attains. The y spelling gives the name a sleek, contemporary American shape, at home among the Laylas and Mylas that define a generation of girl naming. At rank 452, it has moved steadily up the chart, popular in African American and Muslim families alike, and welcomed in households drawn simply to the sound. Two syllables, a soft opening and a lifted close, like a hand turning palm up. Nylah is confident without being loud, pretty without being fussy. A quiet triumph in name form.