The nameMarla
Marla is a short form of Marlene, simple and stylish.
- Girl's name
- German
Meaning
Marla comes from Marlene, a blend of Maria and Magdalene.
Origin
German, through English.
History
In the United States Marla reached 193rd in 1955. In England and Wales it reached 516th in 2024.
Famous people named Marla
- Marla Maples, actress
- Marla Singer, character in Fight Club
Popularity of the name Marla
Marla in the United States
Marla was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 11,452 births over the decade, 30% of all recorded babies named Marla. Its rise began around 1941, and it peaked in 1955. Half of all babies named Marla in the United States were born before 1963, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 78 births a year.
Marla in the United Kingdom
Marla was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 371 births over the decade, 53% of all recorded babies named Marla. Its rise began around 2003, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Marla in the United Kingdom were born before 2020, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 63 births a year on average, against 36 in the five years before.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Marla
Names from the same generation as Marla, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Marla? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Marla with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Marla side by side with the name of your choice.
Marla in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marla mean?
Marla comes from Marlene, a blend of Maria and Magdalene.
What is the origin of the name Marla?
German, through English.
Is Marla a girl's or a boy's name?
Marla is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Marla?
In 2024, Marla was the 2325th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 79 births.
What are the variants of the name Marla?
Variants and related names of Marla include Maria.
What are good sibling names for Marla?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Elvira, Thérèse, Daria and Nadine for a sister, Donnie, Edmond, Stephan and Guy for a brother.
Who are famous people named Marla?
Marla Maples, actress; Marla Singer, character in Fight Club.