How to say it
KYLE
kaɪl
Masculine
Kyle
Narrow strait
What it means
A Scottish name from the Gaelic caol, 'narrow,' as in a strait or channel.
Kyle comes from the Scottish Gaelic caol, 'narrow,' the word for a strait or channel, and a region of Ayrshire. It crossed into first-name use and became a huge favorite in the 1980s and 90s. Clean and friendly, one easy syllable. Said KYLE.
How to spell Kyle
The standard spelling is Kyle. Common variants include Kyel, Kile, Coyle, but Kyle is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #18 in 1990, currently #509 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
From the Gaelic for a 'narrow strait.'
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Kyle MacLachlan American actor known for Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet
Spelling variants
- Kyel
- Kile
- Coyle
Names with the same feeling
See Kyle from another angle
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Kyle mean?
- A Scottish name from the Gaelic caol, 'narrow,' as in a strait or channel.
- What does Kyle mean in Scottish?
- In Scottish, Kyle means "Narrow strait." Kyle comes from the Scottish Gaelic caol, 'narrow,' the word for a strait or channel, and a region of Ayrshire. It crossed into first-name use and became a huge favorite in the 1980s and 90s. Clean and friendly, one easy syllable. Said KYLE.
- How do you pronounce Kyle?
- Kyle is pronounced kaɪl. Say it as KYLE, with the stress on the "kyle" syllable.
- How do you spell Kyle?
- The standard spelling is Kyle. Common spelling variants include Kyel, Kile, Coyle.
- Is Kyle a boy or girl name?
- Kyle is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Kyle?
- Kyle ranked #509 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.