Darla

Darla is a feminine given name that has appeared in English-speaking contexts since the 20th century. The exact origin of the name is unclear; it may be a stand-alone formation or related to names such as Darlene or the word darling. It has shown up in various forms in popular culture and is used for both real people and fictional characters.

Notable fictional uses include the vampire Darla in Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a recurring character who appears across several seasons and is portrayed by Julie Benz. In the animated film Finding Nemo (2003), Darla is the young girl who visits the dentist’s office and is known for mishandling the fish she encounters.

In general usage, Darla is primarily encountered as a female given name and appears in a range of media and literary works. It is not among the most common names in contemporary times but remains in occasional use in English-speaking countries.