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Arla

Girl name · 135 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Arla: 135 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 20 births in 2021.

Arla is a name with multiple origins, most commonly considered a modern invention blending 'Ar' and 'la', possibly inspired by the Mars-like 'Arla' brand of dairy products, which itself draws from the Swedish word for 'early'. Alternatively, it can be a short form of names like Carlotta or Arlene. Historically, the name gained some visibility through the British actress Arla-May Harris, though it's not widespread. There are no prominent places directly named Arla, but the Arla Foods company, a major dairy cooperative, gives the name a distinctly creamy, domestic association in the UK. Its 21st-century rise in Scotland has been gentle, often chosen for its soft, melodic sound and modern feel, without heavy traditional baggage.