What does Marla mean and where does it come from?
Marla gained popularity in the mid-20th century, especially in the United States, possibly due to its appearance in popular culture. It was first recorded in use during the 1920s. Famous figures include Marla Maples, an American actress and television personality. The name can often be associated wi
Cultural significance
Marla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the name marla may be derived from the combination of 'mary' and 'lydia', meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'rebellious'..
Peak popularity
Reached #193 in 1955 — currently #911 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marla?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marla?
Marla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marla Claire
French influence · crisp
Marla Jane
Literary · strong
Marla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marla right now?
Holding steady — currently #911 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #911 | 1,289 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #916 | 1,269 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #921 | 1,239 | ▲ up 1612 · +1749% births |
| 2020 | #2533 | 67 | ▲ up 146 · +2% births |
| 2015 | #2679 | 66 | ▼ down 419 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #2260 | 85 | ▼ down 151 · -3% births |
| 2005 | #2109 | 88 | ▼ down 546 · -23% births |
| 2000 | #1563 | 114 | ▼ down 361 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #1202 | 143 | ▼ down 398 · -43% births |
| 1990 | #804 | 250 | ▼ down 77 · +5% births |
| 1985 | #727 | 237 | ▼ down 232 · -43% births |
| 1980 | #495 | 417 | ▼ down 130 · -27% births |
| 1975 | #365 | 569 | ▼ down 92 · -48% births |
| 1970 | #273 | 1,090 | ▲ up 23 · +21% births |
| 1965 | #296 | 901 | — |
The story of Marla
Marla entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. A total of 38,396 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5240 in 1920 to #911 in 2023. Marla is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Marla in 1955:
Marla by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 16 | |
| 1920s | 73 | |
| 1930s | 699 | |
| 1940s | 2,836 | |
| 1950s ★ | 11,449 | |
| 1960s | 10,630 | |
| 1970s | 6,617 | |
| 1980s | 2,781 | |
| 1990s | 1,616 | |
| 2000s | 904 | |
| 2010s | 708 | |
| 2020s | 67 | |
What are good nicknames for Marla?
What names sound and feel like Marla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marla also consider these
How is Marla written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Marla
What does the name Marla mean?
Marla means "The name Marla may be derived from the combination of 'Mary' and 'Lydia', meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'rebellious'." — a name rooted in English 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 Marla?
Marla is currently ranked #911 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Marla?
Marla originates from English tradition. English 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 Marla?
Marla is a two-syllable name pronounced M 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 Marla a common or rare name?
Marla is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.