A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Sharla since 1932
Babies named Sharla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 80 |
| 1940s | 363 |
| 1950s | 972 |
| 1960s | 1,688 |
| 1970s | 1,816 |
| 1980s | 908 |
| 1990s | 329 |
| 2000s | 152 |
| 2010s | 92 |
| 2020s | 44 |
Meaning & origin
Sharla is a mid-20th-century American coinage that saw its highest usage in 1972, when it ranked among the top names for girls. In the most recent year (2025), it was given to about 1 in 200,908 newborns, placing it at rank 10,917. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2019. Its origins are uncertain, but it likely developed as a feminine elaboration of names like Sharl or a variant of Charlotte. Much of its use was concentrated in the 1970s, fitting with the revival of similar-sounding names. Overall, Sharla remains a rare but recognizable name with a distinctly mid-century American feel.
Sharla likely emerged as a feminine given name in the early 20th century, possibly as a variant of Charlotte or a combination of Sharon and the popular -la suffix. It saw modest use in the United States from the 1930s onward, with a peak in the 1970s. Its exact derivation remains unclear, and it is considered a modern coinage rather than a traditional name.
Where Sharla 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shari, Lala
Variants: Sharlah, Sharlia
Sibling names for Sharla
Names that share Sharla's style, for a brother or sister.
