Marla

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAR-luh /ˈmɑːr.lə/High

Meaning: beloved, drop of the seaMedium

In 30 seconds: Marla is a warm short form of Marlene or a variant of Mary meaning of the sea or beloved. A vintage name with 1950s Hollywood glamour.

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Origin MediumHebrew, Germanic

Meaningbeloved, drop of the sea

U.S. rank (2024)#2334 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births79 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1955

Total births (all-time)≈ 38,690

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Marla is a short form of Marlene (a blend of Mary and Magdalene) or a variant of Marley. Mary derives from Hebrew Miriam, possibly meaning beloved or drop of the sea.

Marla was popular in the US from the 1940s through the 1970s and retains a breezy, vintage quality.

Did you know? Fight Club (1996) by Chuck Palahniuk features a character named Marla Singer — making this name associated with both wholesome 1950s Americana and edgy 1990s cult fiction simultaneously.

Overall data confidence 78%

Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names — reference for MarlaBehind the Name: Marlene — name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database — U.S. popularity data

Variations

MarleneMaryMarlenaMarley

Nicknames

MarMarlie

Famous Bearers

★Marla Maples (1963–present)
American actress, model and television personality; second wife of Donald Trump from 1993 to 1999.

If you like Marla…

Marlena— direct longer form of same name

Marley— Old English surname name with similar Mar- sound

Carla— two-syllable name with similar vintage feel

Darla— vintage two-syllable -la name of same era

Sharla— similar vintage two-syllable -la name

Frequently Asked

What does Marla mean?

Marla means of the sea or beloved, as a short form of Marlene (Mary + Magdalene) or variant of Mary from Hebrew Miriam.

How do you pronounce Marla?

Marla is pronounced MAR-luh (/ˈmɑːr.lə/), with two syllables.

Is Marla a girl's name?

Yes, Marla is used as a feminine name.

How popular is the name Marla?

Marla was popular in the 1940s–1970s in the US and retains a breezy vintage appeal.