Darla
Darla is a girl name of American origin meaning “Darling”, pronounced DAR-lah. It ranked #941 in the United States in 2025, given to 275 babies, and peaked at #165 in 1963. Common nicknames: Dar, Dolly.
How popular is Darla in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Darla mean, and where does it come from?
Darla is an American invention of the 1920s, built from the word darling much as Darlene was, and it owes its first surge to a child actress: Darla Hood joined the Our Gang comedies in 1935, the year the name entered the US top thousand. It peaked in 1963 and then faded with the rest of the -la names of its generation. It is rising again now, lifted by the same retro current that has brought back Wanda, Rhonda and Lorna — names that sound less like a revival than like someone's grandmother finally getting her turn.
How is Darla used around the world?
Darla is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Darla?
Famous People Named Darla
- Darla Hood — American child actress of the Our Gang comedies
- Darla K. Anderson — American film producer, Academy Award winner for Toy Story 3 and Coco
Similar Names to Darla
If you like Darla, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
- Marla
- Carla
- Rhonda
- Lorna
- Wanda
Sibling Name Ideas for Darla
Looking for names that pair well with Darla? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Darla mean?
Darla is a girl name of American origin meaning "Darling." Darla is an American invention of the 1920s, built from the word darling much as Darlene was, and it owes its first surge to a child actress: Darla Hood joined the Our Gang comedies in 1935, the year the name entered the US top thousand. It peaked in 1963 and then faded with the rest of the -la names of its generation.
How do you pronounce Darla?
Darla is pronounced DAR-lah. Common variations include Darlene, Darleen, Darlah.
Is Darla a girl name?
Yes, Darla is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Dar, Dolly.