Is Arla a boy's or girl's name?

Arla is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 17 recorded births.

When was Arla most popular?

Arla reached its peak popularity in 1934 with 64 births that year. It is currently ranked #5155 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Arla?

Arla is currently ranked #5155 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 2,763 babies since 1888.

Arla

An uncommon pick — distinctive and rare.

Girl's name| Also boysDeclining Also a pet name

#5155▲ 826in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A taxonomic genus within the family Gelechiidae – certain moths.

Arla is a girl's and boy's baby name of Old Norse origin, related to the Scandinavian word ärla, meaning 'early' or 'early morning.' It carries the fresh, quiet promise of dawn — a name that feels both vintage and quietly modern.

Arla is also a beloved Scandinavian dairy brand, which gives the name a wholesome, Nordic familiarity across Europe. For parents drawn to short, strong names with genuine heritage, Arla has an understated elegance.

Compare Arla with another name

Popularity Over Time

Arla has 109+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1888.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Arla
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	119	#5337	▲
2010s	90	#11841	▲
2000s	10	#17299	—
1990s	10	#8028	▼
1980s	75	#8666	▼
1970s	111	#5683	▼
1960s	242	#2633	▼
1950s	397	#1664	▼
1940s	465	#1237	▼
1930s	547	#947	▲
1920s	400	#1263	▲
1910s	210	#1590	▲
1900s	46	#1684	▲
1890s	36	#1244	▲
1880s	5	#1293	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(109 years, 1888–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Arla
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	25	#5155	+5 (25.0%)
2023	20	#5981	-1 (-4.8%)
2022	21	#5805	-6 (-22.2%)
2021	27	#4849	+1 (3.8%)
2020	26	#4894	+11 (73.3%)
2019	15	#7393	-6 (-28.6%)
2018	21	#5806	+6 (40.0%)
2017	15	#7495	+8 (114.3%)
2016	7	#13047	-2 (-22.2%)
2015	9	#10989	+3 (50.0%)
2014	6	#14786	+1 (20.0%)
2013	5	#16842	-1 (-16.7%)
2012	6	#15173	0
2011	6	#15040	+1 (20.0%)
2008	5	#17834	0
2005	5	#16764	-5 (-50.0%)
1991	10	#8028	+5 (100.0%)
1989	5	#12522	0
1988	5	#11952	0
1987	5	#11443	0

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Arla as a Boy's Name

While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Arla has also been given to 17 boys in the U.S. since 1916.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

1916

Peak year

Compare Arla as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Arla be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Arla is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #5155. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Arla has two lives

Arla, the baby name

#5155girls

2,763 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1888–2024) · Methodology