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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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timetest · 31/08/2020 22:00

I’ve never heard it before. I think it sounds lovely.

TerrifiedandWorried · 31/08/2020 21:57

I know a grown up one, she is awesome and loves her name.

NameChange84 · 31/08/2020 21:55

I actually love you for using it @TheDIsiilusionedAnarchist - serious brownie points! Your dd is lucky to have such a thoughtful name.

Original poster
TheDIsiilusionedAnarchist · 31/08/2020 21:53

Thanks for the opinions, it’s 1yo DD2’s name and I was starting to wonder if she’s going to seriously hate me for it!
And yes she is always Rilla.

OP posts:
NameChange84 · 31/08/2020 21:40

I like it but then I love Marilla in Anne with an E Blush

BumpLoading · 31/08/2020 21:37

I've never come across it but quite like it! Reminds me a bit of Willa which seems to be gaining popularity

WhyIsItSoHardToPickAUsername · 31/08/2020 20:49

I don't like it sorry. I think it sounds quite ugly, it must be the Rilla sound.

XFPW · 31/08/2020 20:38

My niece was very nearly a Rilla. Thankfully my sister saw the light. We are all big Anne fans, but it’s a hard no to Rilla or Marilla - they just aren’t nice names.

DramaAlpaca · 31/08/2020 20:38

It's a pretty name.

lekkerkroketje · 31/08/2020 20:37

It's more often a contraction, so Maria-Isabella = Marilla, just like Liesanne and Marissa

remainin · 31/08/2020 20:32

"Anne of Green Gables" foster mum's name was Marilla.

JaJaDingDong · 31/08/2020 20:30

Too Anne of Green Gables for my taste.

sydenhamhiller · 31/08/2020 20:30

I work with a fabulous Albanian woman called Marilla - love her, love the name.

SionnachRua · 31/08/2020 20:23

Reminds me a Pokemon tbh (can't imagine most people will think of that though!). Aside from that it's ok - not amazing but ok.

Lobsterquadrille2 · 31/08/2020 20:21

Hmmm .... not really keen, sorry. Even Anne calling her youngest and gorgeous daughter after her doesn't redeem it. Rilla is ok as a nickname though.

BlacklashStarts · 31/08/2020 20:09

Never heard or it. But it’s nice. Similar names you might also like might include Cora and Marin.

Maybe unpopular due to rhyming with gorilla?