Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Darla originates from American English and is derived from the term 'darling,' meaning beloved. It evolved from the Old English word 'darling' into its modern form in the 20th century. The name is associated with positive traits such as sweetness and charm. It does not have biblical relevance, and its popularity surged in the United States in the early 20th century. Notable people with this name include actress Darla Hood and businesswoman Darla Moore.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdɑːrlə/
Origin
American English
Etymology
The name Darla is derived from the English word 'darling,' which is used as a term of endearment. It became popular in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Meaning
beloved, darling
Language Evolution
Darling (Old English), Darla (20th century)
Historical Usage
Darla gained popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly after the release of the 1937 film 'The Little Princess' where a character named Darla was featured.
Variants & Derivatives
Dar, Darly, Darlene
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Darla is perceived as a sweet and nostalgic name, often associated with innocence and charm.
Famous People
Darla Hood - American actress and singer, Darla Moore - American businesswoman and philanthropist
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,391 peak births in 1963
Geographic Spread
Popular across 47 US states, with strongest presence in South Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6360th of 7552 | 12 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8406th of 10718 | 15 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 7365th of 9107 | 14 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 512th of 9204 | 3,382 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 254th of 12526 | 21,510 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 325th of 19264 | 12,198 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1132nd of 27321 | 2,371 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1768th of 35406 | 1,793 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1329th of 30306 | 2,121 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
24.06% 372nd/1546 |
31.75% 494th/1556 |
25.20% 593rd/2353 |
25.21% 390th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
8.85% 197th/2227 |
14.12% 343rd/2430 |
10.27% 293rd/2853 |
7.78% 216th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
8.78% 258th/2937 |
15.13% 527th/3483 |
8.98% 316th/3518 |
8.58% 347th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
25.70% 947th/3685 |
31.71% 1419th/4475 |
21.60% 1122nd/5194 |
20.01% 1264th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
53.10% 2433rd/4582 |
39.60% 2045th/5164 |
30.27% 2214th/7313 |
16.66% 1243rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
43.65% 1739th/3984 |
34.54% 1550th/4487 |
25.96% 1771st/6822 |
13.72% 861st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in South Dakota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6360th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8406th out of 10718 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7365th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 512th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 254th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 325th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1132nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1768th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1329th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.