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Origin and meaning of the name Marla

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What is the origin of the name Marla?

The name Marla is a female given name that is primarily of English origin. It is a variation of the name Mary, which comes from the Hebrew Miryam (or Miriam), meaning "bitter" or "rebellious". The name Mary became popular in England during the Middle Ages due to its association with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ in Christianity. The name Marla emerged as a variant of Mary in the 20th century, possibly through nickname shortening or phonetic adaptation.
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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Marla

The name Marla is a feminine given name with origins primarily traced back to the United States. It is derived from the male name Mahlon, which has roots in Hebrew and means "sickness" or "afflicted". In the Bible, Mahlon is one of the sons of Naomi and Elimelech. The transformation of Mahlon into Marla occurred as a result of the popular trend during the 19th and 20th centuries in America to create diminutive forms of names for girls. This transformation made Mahlon more appealing and suitable for use as a girl's name, resulting in the creation of Marla. Throughout history, the name Marla has been used predominantly in English-speaking countries, but it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world due to cultural exchange and globalization.

Character traits associated with the name Marla

Marla is often characterized as empathetic, intelligent, and independent. She possesses an innate ability to understand and connect with others on a deep emotional level, making her a compassionate friend and listener. Her intelligence shines through her insightful observations and quick problem-solving skills. Marla values self-reliance and takes pride in her ability to navigate life's challenges independently, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Despite her independent streak, she is not afraid to seek help or guidance when needed, showcasing a balanced approach to personal growth and self-sufficiency. Overall, Marla is a nurturing and thoughtful individual who values authentic relationships, intellectual curiosity, and self-discovery.

Popularity of the name Marla

The name Marla has been moderately popular in the United States since its introduction to the Top 1000 baby names list in 1948, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s. It was ranked as high as the 263rd most popular name for girls in 1975. However, since then, its usage has steadily declined, and it currently ranks outside the Top 1000 names. The name's popularity may be influenced by various factors, such as cultural trends, celebrity influences, or associations with famous characters named Marla (for example, from the film "The Sixth Sense" or J.D. Salinger's novel "Franny and Zooey"). Despite its waning usage, the name Marla remains a familiar and recognizable choice for parents seeking a unique yet accessible moniker for their child.

Famous people with the name Marla

Marla Sokoloff, an American actress and singer, is perhaps best known for her role as Lucy Hatcher on the ABC sitcom "The WB's Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House." In film, she played the title character in the horror comedy "Marla's Death-Defying Adventure" (1995) and appeared in "The Practice," "Ghost Whisperer," and "CSI: Miami." Marla Gibbs is a celebrated African-American actress who gained fame for her role as Florence Johnston on the hit sitcom "The Jeffersons," earning three consecutive Emmy Awards from 1975 to 1977. In addition, she appeared in several movies and TV shows, including "Good Times" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Lastly, Marla Maples is a businesswoman and television personality who was the second wife of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. She has made guest appearances on various reality TV shows and news programs over the years. These three women with the name Marla have achieved success in their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on entertainment and public life.

Variations of the name Marla

The name Marla has several variations and spellings across different cultures. These include Marcela (Spanish), Mariela (Spanish and Russian), Marlane (French), Marleah (English), Marella (Italian), Marelys (Portuguese), Merlea (Dutch), and Marlis (German). The name Marla is of English origin, derived from the male name Marlowe, which is thought to come from a place name in England. It was popularized by Marlon Brando's character Stella Marlo in the 1957 film "Sayonara." Regardless of the spelling or culture, Marla is often associated with strong, independent women. In literature and media, notable characters bearing this name include Dr. Marla Singer from the movie "Fight Club" and Marla Hooch from the "Harry Potter" series.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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