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Arlah

Girl name · 15 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Arlah: 15 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2024.

Arlah is a modern, melodic elaboration of the classic name Arla, itself thought to derive from the Old Norse *arl*, meaning “eagle,” or possibly a feminine form of Charles, meaning “free man.” Though lacking a deep historical pedigree, Arlah has gained quiet traction in 21st-century Scotland, appealing to parents drawn to soft, vowel-heavy names with a lyrical quality. The name echoes the sound of the Scottish river Arla, a minor waterway in Aberdeenshire, though the river’s own etymology remains uncertain. No famous bearers are widely recorded, but the name shares an uplifting, bird-like feel with the ancient Gaelic *eala*, meaning “swan,” offering a gentle nature connection. As a variant of Arla, it remains a rare but charming choice, often chosen for its fresh, open sound.