A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marla since 1912
Babies named Marla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 16 |
| 1920s | 73 |
| 1930s | 699 |
| 1940s | 2,835 |
| 1950s | 11,441 |
| 1960s | 10,615 |
| 1970s | 6,613 |
| 1980s | 2,776 |
| 1990s | 1,616 |
| 2000s | 905 |
| 2010s | 710 |
| 2020s | 482 |
Meaning & origin
Marla is a name that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, first recorded in 1912. It reached its peak popularity in 1955, reflecting the mid-century taste for short, feminine names ending in 'a'. After declining in use, the name has been rising again since 2012, indicating a slow revival. In its peak decade of the 1950s, Marla was most favored in states like Wisconsin, Arizona, and Michigan. Today, it is a relatively uncommon choice, appealing to parents seeking a vintage yet modern-sounding name.
Marla first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century. It may have been coined as a feminine variant of Marlon, or as a simplified form of Marlene. The name saw its peak popularity in the 1950s.
Where Marla 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.
“Marla” around the world
Where Marla lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mar, Marly
Sibling names for Marla
Names that share Marla's style, for a brother or sister.
