Marilla

[TheDIsiilusionedAnarchist]

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?

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?

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.

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.

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

Too Anne of Green Gables for my taste.

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

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

It's a pretty name.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

Gorilla

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.

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

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

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.