Ayla

Ayla is a feminine given name of Turkish origin, commonly interpreted as "moonlight." The Turkish root ay means "moon," and the name has become associated with celestial imagery. It has gained international use and appears across different languages and cultures, valued for its gentle sound and evocative meaning.

In literature, Ayla is the central figure of Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children series. The first novel, The Clan of the Cave Bear (1980), follows Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon woman who is orphaned and subsequently taken in by a Paleolithic clan. She grows into a skilled hunter, toolmaker, and healer, navigating cultural differences and challenges in prehistoric Europe. The character appears throughout the series, which explores prehistoric life and cross-cultural encounters.

Pronunciation varies, but common renderings include "AY-lah" and "eye-LAH," with regional variations.

The name Ayla has also appeared in film, music, and other media, reflecting its enduring appeal in contemporary naming.