Arla

♀ Girl

Pronounced AR-lah /ˈɑr.lɑ/Medium

Meaning: A vintage name — variously a short form of Carla/Charlotte ('free man/woman'), Earla ('noble/warrior'), or Arlene; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Soft and vintage: Arla is a sweet old name, linked to Carla/Arlene. Gentle, crisp, and warm.

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Origin LowGerman, English

MeaningA vintage name — variously a short form of Carla/Charlotte ('free man/woman'), Earla ('noble/warrior'), or Arlene; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#4998 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births26 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1934

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,789

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Arla is a vintage name — variously a short form of Carla/Charlotte (from Germanic karl, 'free man/woman'), Earla ('noble/warrior'), or Arlene (routes layered, which we note). A soft, crisp, gentle name.

It registers thinly today. Rare now, a-pledge-or-free at the (likely) root, and vintage.

Did you know? Arla is a soft vintage name — variously a short form of Carla/Charlotte ('free woman'), Earla ('noble'), or Arlene; gentle and crisp (also a Scandinavian dairy brand).

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Arla — routes layered

Variations

ArlahArleneEarla

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Arla…

Arlene— a fuller form

Carla— a source name

Marla— a fellow -arla name

Darla— another vintage -arla name

Explore names like Arla

By themeuncertain english vintage german

By meaningWarrior Royal / Noble Freedom

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Arla mean?

Arla is a vintage name, variously short for Carla/Charlotte ('free'), Earla ('noble'), or Arlene; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Arla?

It's said AR-lah /ˈɑr.lɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Arla a boy or girl name?

Arla is a girl's name.

How popular is Arla?

Arla is a rare name in the U.S.