Marla is a unique and intriguing feminine given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "marlah," which translates to "song" or "tune." This melodious etymology gives Marla an enchanting and harmonious quality, suggesting that those who bear this name may possess a certain musicality or creativity.
The name Marla first appeared in the United States during the late 19th century but did not gain significant popularity until the mid-20th century. It peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, reaching its highest rank of 438 in 1970. Although it has since fallen off the Social Security Administration's list of the most popular baby names, Marla remains a distinctive and appealing choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughters.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Marla. Most famously, American actress Marla Sokoloff is known for her roles in television shows such as "The Practice" and "Over There," while Canadian-born model Marla Maples gained notoriety as the second wife of Donald Trump from 1993 to 1999.
In literature, Marla Mason appears as the protagonist in a series of urban fantasy novels written by T.A. Pratt, further contributing to the name's unique and memorable associations. Overall, while not extensively documented in historical records or popular culture, the name Marla possesses an intriguing Hebrew origin and has been carried by notable individuals throughout history, making it a captivating choice for those seeking a distinctive and meaningful feminine given name.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the name Marla in the United States over the years:
From 1912 to 1974, the number of newborn girls named Marla fluctuated significantly. The first peak occurred around 1947 with approximately 450 births, followed by another high point in 1968 and 1969 with around 1100 births each year.
However, starting from 1975, there was a notable decrease in the popularity of the name Marla. The number of newborn girls named Marla dropped significantly to around 400 births annually during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Throughout the 1990s, the popularity of the name Marla continued to decline steadily, with fewer than 250 births per year on average. This downward trend persisted into the new millennium, with less than 100 girls named Marla born annually between 2000 and 2023.
In summary, while the name Marla experienced some popularity in the mid-20th century, its usage has significantly declined since the late 1970s. As of recent years (2022 and 2023), around 80 to 90 girls named Marla are born annually in the United States.