| Meaning | star of the sea |
| Origin | Hebrew, Latin |
| Gender | Girl |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 5 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Mar-la |
Compact and confident, Marla delivers personality in just five letters. This name doesn't waste time or space; it gets straight to the point with admirable efficiency. There's a no-nonsense quality to it, suggesting capability and self-assurance without arrogance. It's the kind of name that works equally well on a business card or a byline. The name has vintage charm without feeling dated, occupying that sweet spot between classic and contemporary. It's uncommon enough to provide distinction but familiar enough to avoid confusion. Parents who choose Marla often value its straightforward nature and substantial feel despite its brevity. The name resists diminutives—it doesn't beg to be shortened or nicknamed, standing complete as is. For families seeking something established yet underused, something that conveys strength without severity, Marla presents an excellent option that will serve your daughter well across all life stages.
| Marlene |
| Marissa |
| Maria |
| Marisol |
| Martha |
| Marta |
| Margaret |
| Madison |
| Mackenzie |
| Marina |
| Marley |
| Macy |
| Mar |
| Marlie |
| Marly |
| Arla |
| Marla Maples | American actress and ex-wife of Donald Trump |
| Marla Gibbs | American actress and comedian |
| Marla Sokoloff | American actress and musician |
| Marla Malcolm Beck | Co-founder and CEO of Bluemercury, Inc |
| Marla Runyan | American Paralympic athlete and author |
| Marla Tellez | American news anchor and journalist |
| Marla Boyd | American professional bodybuilder |
| Marla Harper | Character in Chuck Palahniuk's novel "Fight Club" |
| Marla McGivers | Character in the original "Star Trek" series |
| Marla Hendricks | Character in the TV show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" |
| Marla Singer | Character in Chuck Palahniuk's novel "Fight Club" |
| Marla Mabrey | Character in the movie "Rules Don't Apply" |
| Marla Keyes | Character in the movie "Nightcrawler" |
| Marla the Friendly Shade | Character in the video game "Hollow Knight" |