A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Darla since 1924
Babies named Darla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 33 |
| 1930s | 1,206 |
| 1940s | 4,229 |
| 1950s | 9,599 |
| 1960s | 16,340 |
| 1970s | 5,382 |
| 1980s | 1,996 |
| 1990s | 968 |
| 2000s | 1,059 |
| 2010s | 1,588 |
| 2020s | 1,267 |
Meaning & origin
Darla is a distinctly American name that first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in 1924. It reached its peak in 1963, when it was most widely used. After a long decline, the name has been rising again since 1993, reflecting a revival of mid-century vintage names. Darla was most common in the 1960s, particularly in states like Nevada, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Though its exact etymology remains unclear, its pleasant sound and retro charm have contributed to its enduring, if modest, appeal.
Darla emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, likely as a feminine variant of Daryl or as a short form of Darlene. Daryl itself may derive from an English surname of Norman origin, possibly from the Old French 'd'Airelle' meaning 'from Airelle'. The name gained modest popularity through mid-century, peaking in the 1960s, partly influenced by the character Darla Hood in the 'Our Gang' film series.
Where Darla is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Darla” around the world
Where Darla lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
25
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dar, Dari
Sibling names for Darla
Names that share Darla's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Carla, Brenda, Lori, Tammy, Sandra, Charla, Dionna, Dionne, Marla, Marlo, Vonda, Crista, Dede, Dedra, Barri, Dalana, Deadra, Denee, Diania, Dietra, Donnia, Earla, Gaila, Marlea, Shelda, Tanda, Tangie, Zondra, Danne, Darthy, Delbra, Drina, Dwana, Laree, Larna, Mardi, Cresta, Dalissa, Darsi, Debar, Delrae, Dustina, Harla
Brothers: Gary, Larry, Ronald, Dennis, Terry, Donny, Ferrell, Lamarr, Daiel, Daman, Darcell, Dawan, Delford, Doni, Jarrel, Tarvis, Danta, Deone, Donye, Doral, Duwan, Larri, Lavel, Raybon, Dannis, Diron, Cordarryl, Donney, Dshaun, Jarmon, Skeeter
