Girl name · Irish
Orla
“golden princess”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Orla.
Explore Orla further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Orla — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Orla is Irish Órfhlaith — ór (gold) plus flaith (sovereign, prince) — a compound meaning the golden sovereign rather than merely a golden girl. It was borne by a sister and a niece of Brian Boru, which puts it in the eleventh century with a royal attachment intact.
It is common in Ireland and has spread through Britain and Australia. In the US it remains almost unused, which makes it one of the more available Irish names for English speakers who can say it on sight.
It is short enough to resist clipping. Two syllables want two or three (Orla Josephine, Orla Maeve). On our vibe map it is Heirloom with Modern Minimalist edges.
More Irish names
Orla sits in our Irish set — these share its roots.
All Irish names →Orla — common questions
Is Orla a boy or girl name?
Orla is traditionally a girl name of Irish origin.
What does the name Orla mean?
Orla means “golden princess” of Irish origin. Orla is Irish Órfhlaith — ór (gold) plus flaith (sovereign, prince) — a compound meaning the golden sovereign rather than merely a golden girl. It was borne by a sister and a niece of Brian Boru, which puts it in the eleventh century with a royal attachment intact.
Where does the name Orla come from?
Orla is Irish in origin. It is common in Ireland and has spread through Britain and Australia. In the US it remains almost unused, which makes it one of the more available Irish names for English speakers who can say it on sight.
What are common nicknames for Orla?
Orlie — the short-forms parents most often use for Orla.
How popular is Orla?
Orla did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Orla you might want for the nursery.