"darling, beloved one"
Origin: Old English 'deorling'
Language: English
Darla
Pronunciation: [ d-AHRL-uh ]
Does Darla flow with your last name?
A vintage American darling with mid-century charm
American
English
Vintage
Playful
Gentle
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"little dear"
Origin: American English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Darla in Finding Nemo is portrayed as a destructive child who kills fish, which may be a minor concern for some parents
The Story of Darla
Darla is an American feminine name derived from 'darling,' the Old English word 'deorling' meaning 'beloved one' or 'little dear.' The '-a' ending gives the term of endearment a standalone name identity that gained popularity in the early 20th century. It belongs to a cluster of sweet American names — Darla, Darlene, Donna, Diane — that peaked in the mid-20th century.
Darla rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, notably through Darla Hood, the cherished 'Little Sweetheart' of the Our Gang/Little Rascals film series. It peaked as a name in the 1950s and has been declining since, now firmly a retro name evoking mid-century American nostalgia.
Darla Hood's role in the Our Gang comedies cemented the name in American cultural memory as the epitome of sweet mid-century femininity. The name was later given a darker comic twist by Darla in Finding Nemo (2003), creating a playful cultural association with childhood menace.
Historical Record
Darla first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 37,921 babies have been named Darla in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Darla is past its peak , currently ranked #1,030 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Darla Hood joined the Our Gang comedies at age 4 in 1935 and became one of the most beloved child stars of the era
- The name Darla peaked in the US in 1958, perfectly capturing the baby boom naming aesthetic of that era
- Darla in Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' (2003) became a cultural reference for nightmare fish-tank visitors, though the association is affectionate rather than damaging
Darla in Other Languages
French
Darla
German
Darla
English
Darla
Italian
Darla
Spanish
Darla
Popularity Over Time
#1,030
Current Rank
Peaked 1963
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Darla
D
Darla Hood
Actor
1931
American child actress who starred as 'The Little Sweetheart' in the Our Gang/Little Rascals film series from 1935 to 19...
American child actress who starred as 'The Little Sweetheart' in the Our Gang/Little Rascals film series from 1935 to 1941; one of the most beloved child stars of the classic Hollywood era
D
Darla Fictional
Other
The antagonist fish-killer in Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' (2003); Nemo's terrifying young cousin who visits the dentist's fis...
The antagonist fish-killer in Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' (2003); Nemo's terrifying young cousin who visits the dentist's fish tank, inadvertently driving the entire plot
D
Darla (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Fictional
Other
The ancient vampire and original sire of Angel in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel TV series; a complex villain wi...
The ancient vampire and original sire of Angel in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel TV series; a complex villain with centuries of dark history
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Compare Darla with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,030
- Total SSA Count
- 244
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dar
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Darla
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Darla is also used as a boy name, ranked #29556.
View Darla as a boy name →Similar Names
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"Yahweh is God"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Darla
What does the name Darla mean?
"darling, beloved one" (from Old English 'deorling'). "little dear" (from American English). Darla is an American feminine name derived from 'darling,' the Old English word 'deorling' meaning 'beloved one' or 'little dear.' The '-a' ending gives the term of endearment a standalone name identity that gained popularity in the early 20th century. It belongs to a cluster of sweet American names — Darla, Darlene, Donna, Diane — that peaked in the mid-20th century.
What is the origin of the name Darla?
Darla has Old English 'deorling', American English, American, and English origins. In Old English 'deorling', it means "darling, beloved one". In American English, it means "little dear".
Is Darla a boy or girl name?
Darla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1030. As a boy name, it is ranked #29556. Darla is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Darla?
Darla is pronounced d-AHRL-uh.
How popular is the name Darla?
Darla is currently ranked #1030 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Darla?
Common nicknames for Darla include Dar.
What are good middle names for Darla?
Popular middle name pairings include Darla Mae, Darla Jean, Darla Ann, Darla Sue, Darla Lynn, Darla Kay, and Darla Renee.
What are good sibling names for Darla?
Names that pair well with Darla as siblings include Darlene, Donna, Debbie, Dean, Dale, and Duane.
How many syllables does Darla have?
Darla has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Darla a common or rare name?
Darla is an uncommon name, ranked #1030 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Darla?
About the Name Darla
Darla is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "darling, beloved one" in Old English 'deorling' .
Is Darla a boy or girl name? Darla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,030 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,556. Darla is more commonly used as a girl name.
Darla is currently ranked #1,030 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Darla has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AHRL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Darla include Dar. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Darla include Darlene, Darling, Darlyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis