The surname Marla does not have a clear or widely accepted origins that can be definitively traced to one specific region or time period. It is generally considered an English and German surname with multiple possible sources.
1. English Origin: Derived from a given name Marcel, which originated from the Latin Marcus Helius, meaning "devoted to Mars." The name evolved over time into Marcellus and eventually Marcella (for females) in Old French, and Marla in some parts of England.
2. German Origin: A variant or short form of various feminine given names containing "Maria" as a prefix, such as Mariah, Mariela, or Marianne. In this context, Marla could have developed from these names over time due to language changes and regional variations.
It's also worth noting that the name may have been taken up as a surname by families of different ethnicities outside of Germany and England, but those origin stories would be less certain without more specific historical records.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Marla
The meaning and origin of the last name Marla
The surname Marla is primarily of English origin and is derived from various sources. One possible origin is a medieval English occupational name for a servant who carried a small bag or sack, derived from the Old Norse word "mara" meaning 'bag' or 'sack'. Another possible origin is a locative surname, referring to someone from a place called Marle, which exists in Essex, France, and other locations. Additionally, Marla could be a variant of the name Mary or Maria, with the addition of the English suffix "-la" to indicate endearment or familiarity. The spelling variation "Marla" may have arisen due to changes in English orthography over time.
Geographical distribution of the last name Marla
The surname Marla has a predominant presence in the United States, particularly in states such as California, Texas, and Florida, where it ranks among the top 20,000 most common surnames. This surname is also found in significant numbers in Canada, especially in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. In Europe, Marla can be found in countries like Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, albeit less frequently. A smaller number of individuals with this last name can be found in South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The origin of the surname Marla is unclear, but it is believed to have origins in various parts of Europe, including Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Variants and spellings of the last name Marla
The surname Marla can be spelled and varianted in several ways due to differences in regional spelling conventions, phonetic interpretation, or personal preference. Some common variations include:
1. Mara (common misspelling, dropping the 'l')
2. Marll (addition of extra 'l')
3. Marhla (reversed order of a and r)
4. Marlea (feminine form or variant spelling)
5. Markla (possibly a rare typographical or phonetic variation)
6. Marlay (an Irish surname with different origins, pronounced similarly but not related to Marla)
7. Mallar (Indian surname, may be unrelated and is derived from Sanskrit)
8. Malle (French diminutive of Marceline or other female names ending in 'marce')
9. Marlee (possibly a modern variation or nickname for Marla, especially popularized by actress Marlee Matlin)
10. Morla (rare phonetic variant or misspelling)
These variations demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of the surname Marla across various cultures, languages, and time periods. However, it is essential to note that not all of these variations are directly related or derived from each other and may have separate origins and histories.
Famous people with the last name Marla
Marla Gibbs is a renowned American actress, best known for her role as Florida Evans in the television series "Good Times," which aired from 1974 to 1979. Her portrayal of the character earned her multiple Emmy Award nominations and solidified her place in television history. Another notable figure with the last name Marla is Marla Maples, an American businesswoman and former model who gained fame as the second wife of Donald Trump, a prominent real estate mogul and the 45th President of the United States. Lastly, Marla Sokoloff, an actress and musician, is recognized for her roles in television shows such as "The Practice," "Full House," and "Party of Five." Although not as widely known as Gibbs or Maples, she has had a successful career spanning over two decades in the entertainment industry.
Genealogical research on the last name Marla
The surname Marla is of English origin and is believed to have been derived from various sources. One possible origin is from a place name, specifically "Marlowe" or "Marley," found in Kent and other counties in England. These names are thought to be derived from the Old English 'mearl' meaning 'alder tree grove' or 'pleasant wood' and 'hlaw' meaning 'hill.'
Another theory suggests that Marla could have originated as a nickname for someone who lived near an alder tree, as 'marl' means 'alder tree' in Old English. The surname may also be of Norman origin, derived from the Old French "marle" meaning 'lime pit.'
The earliest records of the Marla family can be traced back to the 13th century in England. Notable figures with this surname include Christopher Marlowe, an Elizabethan playwright known for his works such as "Doctor Faustus," and David Marla, a mathematician who made contributions to the field of statistical mechanics.
Today, the Marla surname is found worldwide due to migration over the centuries, particularly to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Variations in spelling such as Marlow, Marley, and Marla can be observed due to factors like phonetic changes and individual preference.
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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