What does Rilla mean and where does it come from?
'Rilla' gained notoriety from the novel 'Rilla of Ingleside' by L.M. Montgomery, published in 1921. It is thought to be a diminutive form of Arabella or Marilla and conveys a whimsical charm. The name has seen a revival in some circles due to its literary associations and quaintness. The character R
Cultural significance
Rilla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #371 in 1881 — currently #11972 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rilla?
Rilla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rilla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rilla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rilla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rilla Claire
French influence · crisp
Rilla Jane
Literary · strong
Rilla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rilla right now?
Falling — down 1725 spots — currently #11972 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #11972 | 8 | ▼ down 1725 · -20% births |
| 2022 | #10247 | 10 | ▼ down 2298 · -29% births |
| 2021 | #7949 | 14 | ▼ down 793 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #7156 | 15 | ▲ up 2313 · +36% births |
| 2015 | #9469 | 11 | ▲ up 316 |
| 2010 | #9785 | 11 | ▼ down 1786 · +120% births |
| 1970 | #7999 | 5 | ▼ down 3169 · -37% births |
| 1965 | #4830 | 8 | ▼ down 391 · -11% births |
| 1960 | #4439 | 9 | ▼ down 2214 · -62% births |
| 1955 | #2225 | 24 | ▲ up 1200 · +140% births |
| 1950 | #3425 | 10 | ▼ down 1681 · -57% births |
| 1945 | #1744 | 23 | ▼ down 427 · -28% births |
| 1940 | #1317 | 32 | ▲ up 99 · +19% births |
| 1935 | #1416 | 27 | ▼ down 46 · -13% births |
| 1930 | #1370 | 31 | — |
The story of Rilla
Rilla has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 2,606 total births recorded, Rilla remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #417 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11972 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Rilla in 1881:
Rilla by decade
Rilla peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 244 | |
| 1890s | 346 | |
| 1900s | 271 | |
| 1910s ★ | 381 | |
| 1920s | 379 | |
| 1930s | 319 | |
| 1940s | 283 | |
| 1950s | 175 | |
| 1960s | 79 | |
| 1970s | 23 | |
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 17 | |
| 2010s | 68 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎With 2,606 total births, Rilla is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Rilla?
What names sound and feel like Rilla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rilla also consider these
Common questions about the name Rilla
What does the name Rilla mean?
Rilla means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Rilla?
Rilla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rilla have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Rilla?
Rilla originates from American tradition. American 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 Rilla?
Rilla is a two-syllable name pronounced R IH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Rilla trending right now?
Rilla is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.