Marilla Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Marilla
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name MARILLA. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Marilla
Gender
Female
Origin
Celtic
Lucky Number
3
Meaning of the Name
Marilla is a feminine Celtic name meaning 'shining sea.' It evokes imagery of sunlight sparkling on ocean waters, suggesting both brilliance and depth.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Jupiter
Positive Nature
Optimistic, inspirational, and creative.
Negative Traits
Scattered, exaggerating.
Lucky Colours
Yellow, gold, purple.
Lucky Days
Thursday.
Lucky Stones
Yellow sapphire.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Arts, writing, communication.
What People Like About You
Creativity, optimism.
Famous People Named Marilla
Marilla Cuthbert
Fictional Character
Iconic literary figure and adoptive mother in Anne of Green Gables
Marilla Ricker
Lawyer and Suffragist
First female lawyer in New Hampshire and women's rights pioneer
Marilla Waite Freeman
Librarian
Developed early library science education programs
Marilla Marks Young
Social Reformer
Prominent abolitionist and women's rights advocate
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The 19th century saw Marilla emerge among social reformers and activists, particularly in North America, where several notable women bearing this name championed causes like abolition and women's suffrage. This established Marilla as a name associated with progressive values and female empowerment. However, the name's most enduring cultural impact came through Lucy Maud Montgomery's creation of Marilla Cuthbert in 1908. This character transformed the name into a symbol of practical New England wisdom, hidden tenderness, and the transformative power of love. The continued popularity of 'Anne of Green Gables' across generations has ensured that Marilla remains a culturally significant name, particularly in Canada where it represents both literary heritage and the values of resilience and quiet strength.
Extended Personality Analysis
Those named Marilla are often characterized by a distinctive combination of practicality and depth that makes them both grounded and insightful. They typically possess strong organizational abilities and common sense, approaching life with a methodical yet intuitive mindset. This practical wisdom is balanced by considerable emotional intelligence, allowing them to understand complex situations and people with remarkable clarity. Marillas tend to be observant and thoughtful, often serving as the calm center in turbulent circumstances.
In relationships, Marillas demonstrate fierce loyalty and protective instincts toward those they care about, though they may initially appear reserved or cautious with new acquaintances. Their strength lies in quiet resilience rather than overt displays, and they often become the backbone of their families or communities. Many display a dry, subtle sense of humor and keen perception, noticing details others miss. While they value tradition and stability, Marillas also possess an adaptable nature that allows them to navigate change effectively. Their combination of practical competence and emotional depth makes them exceptional caregivers, leaders, and friends who provide both practical support and wise counsel.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Marilla occupies a unique position as a vintage name that has never become overly common yet maintains consistent appeal. The name experiences periodic resurgences, often tied to new adaptations of 'Anne of Green Gables' or growing interest in Celtic names. Currently, it ranks outside the top 1000 names in the United States but enjoys stronger popularity in Canada and among communities with Irish or Scottish heritage. Modern parents who choose Marilla typically appreciate its literary connections, Celtic roots, and the balance it strikes between being recognizable yet distinctive. The name appeals to those seeking strong female names with historical depth but without trendiness. Its usage reflects a preference for names that convey strength, intelligence, and character rather than fleeting fashion, making it a thoughtful choice for parents valuing substance over popularity in their naming decisions.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Marilla embodies the powerful duality of depth and illumination, representing both the mysterious vastness of the ocean and the brilliant light that transforms its surface. The 'shining sea' meaning creates a rich metaphorical landscape where the sea symbolizes emotional depth, intuition, and the unconscious mind, while the shining aspect represents clarity, guidance, and moral illumination. This combination suggests a personality capable of navigating complex emotional waters while maintaining clear vision and purpose. The name also carries symbolism related to reflection and transformation—like sunlight on water, Marilla represents the ability to absorb and reflect wisdom, to adapt while maintaining core identity. In broader symbolic terms, it represents the bridge between practical reality and deeper understanding, between tradition and progress, and between strength and compassion. These layered meanings make Marilla a name rich with symbolic potential for representing balanced feminine power.