Rilla

♀ Girl

Pronounced RIL-ah /ˈrɪl.ə/Medium

Meaning: A short form of names like Marilla and Amaryllis; also linked to the Low German rille, 'a brook; a small stream'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A brook; a stream: Rilla is a short form of Marilla/Amaryllis. Crisp, vintage, and warm (said 'RIL-ah').

💕 Browse more names

Origin LowGermanic, Greek

MeaningA short form of names like Marilla and Amaryllis; also linked to the Low German rille, 'a brook; a small stream'; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#12912 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1914

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,659

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

Rilla is a short form of names like Marilla and Amaryllis; it is also linked to the Low German rille, 'a brook; a small stream' (routes layered, which we note; L.M. Montgomery's Rilla of Ingleside). A crisp, vintage name (said 'RIL-ah').

In the U.S. it appears as a vintage name. Rare, a-brook at the root, and vintage.

Did you know? Rilla is a short form of names like Marilla and Amaryllis, also linked to the Low German rille, 'a brook' — a crisp, vintage name (made known by L.M. Montgomery's Rilla of Ingleside; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'RIL-ah').

Overall data confidence 38%

References — Marilla — routes layered

Variations

RilaRillahMarilla

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rilla…

Marilla— a name it shortens

Amaryllis— a name it shortens

Willa— a sound-neighbor -illa vintage girls' name

Della— a fellow vintage -lla girls' name

Explore names like Rilla

By themeuncertain greek germanic

By meaningSea / Water

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rilla mean?

Rilla is a short form of Marilla/Amaryllis, also linked to 'a brook; a small stream'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Rilla?

It's said RIL-ah /ˈrɪl.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rilla a boy or girl name?

Rilla is a girl's name.

How popular is Rilla?

Rilla is a rare name in the U.S.