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Orla

Girl name · 2,925 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Orla: 2,925 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 173 births in 2023.

Originally from the Irish Órfhlaith, meaning ‘golden princess’—a blend of ór (gold) and flaith (prince or sovereign)—Orla has long been cherished in both Ireland and Scotland. It gained wider recognition through actress Orla Brady, known for roles in *Mistresses* and *Into the Badlands*, and fashion designer Orla Kiely, whose distinctive prints became a global staple. While Orla doesn’t directly link to a specific place, its lyrical sound and Celtic heritage have made it a modern favourite. Spelling variants include the original Orlaith and the Anglicised Orlagh, but the streamlined Orla remains the most common form in Scotland, where it has seen steady popularity since the late twentieth century.