What does Darla mean and where does it come from?
Darla is a feminine name that originated in the early 20th century, gaining popularity particularly in the mid-20th century. The name derives from the English word 'darling,' which conveys a sense of affection and endearment. It became widely known due to the character Darla Hood from the Little Ras
Cultural significance
Darla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #165 in 1963 — currently #1202 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Darla?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Darla?
Darla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Darla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Darla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Darla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Darla Claire
French influence · crisp
Darla Jane
Literary · strong
Darla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Darla right now?
Declining — down 13 spots — currently #1202 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1202 | 199 | ▼ down 13 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #1189 | 202 | ▲ up 50 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1239 | 190 | ▲ up 163 · +23% births |
| 2020 | #1402 | 154 | ▲ up 274 · +21% births |
| 2015 | #1676 | 127 | ▼ down 101 · -9% births |
| 2010 | #1575 | 139 | ▲ up 289 · +34% births |
| 2005 | #1864 | 104 | ▼ down 72 · +7% births |
| 2000 | #1792 | 97 | ▼ down 415 · -19% births |
| 1995 | #1377 | 120 | ▼ down 41 |
| 1990 | #1336 | 120 | ▼ down 433 · -32% births |
| 1985 | #903 | 176 | ▼ down 316 · -44% births |
| 1980 | #587 | 315 | ▼ down 126 · -23% births |
| 1975 | #461 | 409 | ▼ down 162 · -58% births |
| 1970 | #299 | 965 | ▼ down 91 · -39% births |
| 1965 | #208 | 1,581 | — |
The story of Darla
Darla entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. A total of 42,570 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4400 in 1925 to #1202 in 2023. Darla is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Darla in 1963:
Darla by decade
Darla peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 33 | |
| 1930s | 1,206 | |
| 1940s | 4,229 | |
| 1950s | 9,602 | |
| 1960s ★ | 16,358 | |
| 1970s | 5,387 | |
| 1980s | 1,995 | |
| 1990s | 968 | |
| 2000s | 1,059 | |
| 2010s | 1,579 | |
| 2020s | 154 | |
What are good nicknames for Darla?
What names sound and feel like Darla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Darla also consider these
Common questions about the name Darla
What does the name Darla mean?
Darla means "English" — a name rooted in USA tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Darla?
Darla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Darla have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Darla?
Darla originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Darla?
Darla is a two-syllable name pronounced D AA1 R L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Darla trending right now?
Darla is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.