What does Marilla mean and where does it come from?
Marilla originates from both Latin and English backgrounds, often perceived as meaning 'marvellous' or 'of the sea'. In English, it can be linked to 'Mara', associated with bitterness, reflecting complexity. The name has been used since the 19th century and features prominently in literature, such a
Cultural significance
Marilla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of marvellous.
Peak popularity
Reached #774 in 1882 — currently #10063 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Marilla?
Marilla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marilla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marilla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marilla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marilla Claire
French influence · crisp
Marilla Jane
Literary · strong
Marilla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marilla right now?
Falling — down 5079 spots — currently #10063 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10063 | 10 | ▼ down 5079 · -63% births |
| 2022 | #4984 | 27 | ▲ up 4352 · +145% births |
| 2021 | #9336 | 11 | ▼ down 2174 · -27% births |
| 2020 | #7162 | 15 | ▲ up 3698 · +67% births |
| 2015 | #10860 | 9 | ▲ up 985 · +13% births |
| 2005 | #11845 | 8 | ▼ down 27 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #11818 | 7 | ▲ up 1155 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #12973 | 5 | ▼ down 6588 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #6385 | 7 | ▼ down 1813 · +40% births |
| 1945 | #4572 | 5 | ▼ down 2360 · -64% births |
| 1940 | #2212 | 14 | ▲ up 536 · +40% births |
| 1935 | #2748 | 10 | ▲ up 316 · +11% births |
| 1930 | #3064 | 9 | ▲ up 305 |
| 1925 | #3369 | 9 | ▼ down 265 · -10% births |
| 1920 | #3104 | 10 | — |
The story of Marilla
Marilla has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 728 total births recorded, Marilla remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #905 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10063 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Marilla in 1882:
Marilla by decade
Marilla peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 29 | |
| 1890s | 57 | |
| 1900s | 42 | |
| 1910s | 94 | |
| 1920s ★ | 104 | |
| 1930s | 79 | |
| 1940s | 72 | |
| 1950s | 38 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 7 | |
| 1980s | 12 | |
| 1990s | 33 | |
| 2000s | 58 | |
| 2010s | 82 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎Marilla has only 728 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Marilla?
Famous people named Marilla
M(
Marilla (Renaissance scholar)
Marilla used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
M(
Marilla (Roman senator or statesman)
Marilla held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Marilla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marilla also consider these
Common questions about the name Marilla
What does the name Marilla mean?
Marilla means "Marvellous" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Marilla?
Marilla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Marilla have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Marilla?
Marilla originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Marilla?
Marilla is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA0 R IH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Marilla?
Marilla pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.