Rilla is a feminine given name of English origin, typically used as a short form of names ending in rilla. It is best known as the name of Rilla Blythe, a character in L. M. Montgomery's novels Rilla of Ingleside (1921) and later works in the Anne of Green Gables series, where Rilla is the youngest daughter of Anne Shirley. In this context, Rilla is a nickname for Marilla, the name of Anne's adoptive mother. Thus, Rilla carries the literary association with Montgomery's beloved character and the Edwardian-era setting of the stories.As a shortened form of Marilla, Rilla ultimately traces back through the root Mary. Mary itself derives from the Hebrew name Miryam, of uncertain meaning, with possible interpretations including "sea of bitterness," "rebelliousness," or "wished for child." However, many scholars believe it originates from an Egyptian name related to mry meaning "beloved" or mr meaning "love." In the New Testament, Mary is the mother of Jesus, giving the name profound religious significance across the Christian world. Marilla, first attested as a diminutive or variant of Mary (or possibly from Amaryllis), gained some use in the 19th century and was borne by notable figures such as American suffragist Marilla Ricker.While Rilla is predominantly known through Montgomery's fiction, it has also been used as an independent given name outside literature. It evokes a vintage, quaint charm associated with early 20th-century Canada and is occasionally chosen for its literary significance. Related names include the diminutive Rill and the full form Marilla, as well as various other abbreviations of Mary such as Molly or Polly. In usage, Rilla remains rare, paling in frequency compared to the perennially popular Mary. Its appeal lies largely in its concise sound and sentimental ties to Anne of Green Gables.Notable bearers of the name Rilla in real life are limited, but outside fiction, Rilla is sometimes adopted as a modern-era given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. The approximate meaning of Rilla as a standalone is generally considered to be the “short form of Marilla,” with no direct meaning of its own beyond the literary connection. Top Key FactsMeaning: Diminutive of Marilla; literary character nameRoot: Ultimately derived from Mary (Hebrew: Miryam)Pronunciation: /ˈrɪlə/Typical Usage: feminine, primarily used in English-speaking countries