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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Marilla

66 replies

TheDIsiilusionedAnarchist · 31/08/2020 20:06

Is this actually a really terrible name? I kind of see it as sort of like Edith, Eliza etc that generation but it never hits the charts, only once in the past 20 years. Why?

Wonder if I’m missing something, it’s said as spelled, it’s in a well known book and a fairly positive, strong character. Why is nobody using it? Anyone enlighten me?

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NameChange84 · 06/09/2020 19:27

@danascully96 too late, the OP’s daughter is called Marilla she already used it. Luckily lots of us love it!

danascully96 · 06/09/2020 19:09

I'm sorry, but I hate this name. I use that word sparingly. Marilla is like Mildred to me, and I am a huge Anne of Green Gables fan. I could see using the name Daniel Gilbert for a future son after the wonderful Gilbert Blythe, but still, that's one of the few names I like from the series (and only then because of my crush on Gilbert).

What about Marianne?

FizzingWhizzbee123 · 04/09/2020 10:10

It’s not a name I’ve heard of. Sort of reminds me of Manilla (envelope) but that’s not the worst association in the world!

zingally · 04/09/2020 09:13

I just straight away think of Marilla from Anne of Green Gables, and she's a great "strong, independent woman" type of character!

I like it!

Zitouna · 03/09/2020 19:20

Oh, this was on my list and I absolutely adore it. I’m SO pleased to hear of someone using it in real life. It’s gorgeous and sparkling and lovely. I also loved the book connection - had Rilla of Ingleside in mind the most.

We used a family name in the end so not this, but I was so tempted. Reading up on the name it actually comes from amaryllis, so has a lovely flower connection too.

BatleyTownswomensGuild · 02/09/2020 18:43

Not keen - reminds me of Armadillo or Amarillo....

upsidedownwavylegs · 02/09/2020 14:19

I adore it but yes, I would ALWAYS call her Rilla-my-Rilla!

myworkingtitle · 02/09/2020 14:02

Rilla-My-Rilla?! Love it.

Unseeliequeen · 02/09/2020 14:01

Manila folder.

Unseeliequeen · 02/09/2020 13:56

First time I've seen the name.

Maria
Mahalia
Vanilla

Cindie943811A · 02/09/2020 13:51

Fresh and uncommon name with a nice ring to it.

Stinkyjellycat · 01/09/2020 18:54

I love it.

VenusClapTrap · 01/09/2020 18:51

I love it.

mum2jakie · 01/09/2020 09:50

Anne of Green Gables!! 🥰

We had a Marilla in our year group at school. All early forties now. She was never bullied for her name.

Onceuponatimethen · 01/09/2020 09:49

Love the character in Anne

Onceuponatimethen · 01/09/2020 09:49

I wouldn’t use it but it will be a lovely change from all the Evie/Eva/Oliver/Olivia

elfran · 01/09/2020 09:47

I love it, but think that, despite the Anne books being universally beloved, it's still rather niche, which probably explains its rarity.

I do wonder if it would be marginally more popular in Canada (where I'm from, and obviously so are the books), though I don't think Canada tracks baby names statistics to the same extent that the UK does (ie much beyond the top names), so impossible to tell.

I have a few Anne-inspired names on my list for this baby. I wonder, if I wasn't living in the UK for the last 15 years and having this baby here, if I'd be so keen on them. For me it's definitely a subtle link to my Canadian roots and my childhood.

AllPlayedOut · 01/09/2020 09:46

It's a very ugly name. That's probably why no one is using it.

rc22 · 01/09/2020 09:31

I know someone called Mirella which I think sounds a bit better.

Bicnod · 01/09/2020 08:27

I love the name and particularly love the nickname Rilla, it's cute and ballsy at the same time. Big Anne (and Marilla) fan so immediately think of the books when I hear the name but I don't think that's a negative thing.

AfterSchoolWorry · 01/09/2020 05:20

Gorilla

AngelaScandal · 01/09/2020 05:17

I love that there is a baby Rilla out there! Am a huge Anne fan though

namenerd · 01/09/2020 00:16

I have no idea why but my brain just straight away thinks of gorillas

finallychangedmyusername · 31/08/2020 22:03

I think it's a great name. Alternative nickname could be Milla (Millie?) if Rilla isn't working for you (and hasn't stuck yet).

BlenheimOrange · 31/08/2020 22:02

I think it’s lovely. Unusual but easy to pronounce.