Marilla is a name of Irish origin that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and meaning. Derived from the Irish word "máir" which means "of the sea," Marilla is often associated with the beauty and power of the ocean.
The name Marilla was popularized by the works of L.M. Montgomery, author of the Anne of Green Gables series. In these books, Marilla Cuthbert is a kind-hearted woman who takes in an orphan girl named Anne Shirley and becomes her maternal figure. Although Marilla is not the main character in the series, she plays a significant role in shaping Anne's life and providing her with love and guidance.
In Irish culture, the name Marilla is often associated with the sea and its many legends and folktales. It is believed that the ocean has the power to heal and restore balance, making it an important symbol in Irish mythology. In some versions of the story of the Selkies, mythical creatures that are seals in the water but humans on land, Marilla is said to be the name of a Selkie queen who rules over all other Selkies.
Despite its Irish origins, Marilla has been embraced by people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Its unique sound and meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter. Whether inspired by L.M. Montgomery's classic novels or drawn to the oceanic symbolism of its meaning, those who choose the name Marilla often do so because they appreciate its beauty and power.
The name Marilla has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 780 babies named Marilla.
The name's peak popularity occurred in recent years, with 27 births recorded in 2022. This is the highest number since records began, indicating that Marilla is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity among parents choosing names for their daughters.
However, it wasn't always this way. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Marilla was quite uncommon. The highest number of births recorded during this period was 17 in 1924, which is significantly lower than recent years.
The name's popularity began to fluctuate more widely from the 1930s onwards. There were periods where the number of Marilla births increased, such as between 1940 and 1950, with a high of 15 births in 1944. However, this was followed by a decline, with only 5 births recorded in both 1947 and 1949.
Interestingly, the name experienced another peak in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with 7 births in 1989 and several years afterwards where the number of Marilla births was consistently around 5 to 6 per year.
In conclusion, while the name Marilla has not consistently been among the most popular choices for girls' names in the United States, it has experienced periods of popularity throughout history. Its recent resurgence in popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal and may indicate that more parents are drawn to this unique and classic name for their daughters.