Orla (/ˈɔːrlə/ OR-lə) is an anglicisation of Órfhlaith, a feminine given name of Irish origin. The name is often interpreted as meaning "golden princess", as it is derived from the Irish words ór ("gold") and flaith (literally "prince"; its full feminine form being banfhlaith).[1][2]

Orla
Pronunciation/ˈɔːrlə/ OR-lə
GenderFemale (Irish)
Male (Danish)
Unisex (Norwegian, Finnish, German)
Origin
MeaningGolden princess (Irish)
Region of originIreland (feminine)
Denmark (masculine)
Other names
Alternative spellingOrlaith, Orlagh
Related namesÓrlaith, Órfhlaith
Popularitysee popular names

Well known via association with Brian Boru, whose sister Órlaith íngen Cennétig (d. 941) was queen consort to the Irish High King Donnchad Donn, Órflaith (however spelled) was the fourth-most frequently recorded female name in the annals of 12th century Ireland; after a long period of obscurity, the name—in both the Órlaith and Órla forms—became popular in the late 20th century, not only in Ireland but also in Scotland, despite the name not having historical use in the region.[3]

Orla is also a male given name in Danish and has been used as a unisex name in Norwegian, Finnish and German.

Orla is also a short form of the name Orsola, which is a variant of Ursula.

Historical figures

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Broadcasters

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  • Orla Barry, Irish radio presenter of Weekend Blend on NewsTalk Radio, a Dublin-based station
  • Orla Guerin, Irish correspondent for BBC Africa
  • Orla Ní Fhinneadha, Irish television presenter on TG4
  • Orla Rapple, Irish broadcaster, she has worked for City Channel, Beat 102/103, AA Roadwatch and Seoige and O'Shea.

Arts and media

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Sports

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Other

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Fictional characters

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla Niall Ó Dónaill
  2. ^ Campbell, Niamh (20 April 2022). "Derry Girls-inspired baby names gain popularity across UK and Ireland". belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Index of Names in Irish Annals: Órlaith". Medievalscotland.org. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  4. ^ IDF LÉ Orla webpage Archived October 16, 2007, at the Wayback Machine