Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Carla originates from the Latin name 'Carolus', meaning 'free woman'. It evolved through various languages, including Old French and Italian. The name is associated with independence and creativity. It does not have biblical relevance and gained popularity in the 20th century. Notable people named Carla include Carla Bruni and Carla Gugino.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɑːrlə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
Carla is derived from the Latin name 'Carolus', which is a masculine form of the name meaning 'free man'. The name has evolved over time and has been used in various forms across different languages.
Meaning
free woman
Language Evolution
Carolus (Latin), Charles (Old French), Carla (Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese)
Historical Usage
Carla gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a feminine form of Charles.
Variants & Derivatives
Carole, Karla, Caroline
Modern Popularity & Image
Carla is perceived as a strong and independent name, often associated with creativity and warmth. It remains a popular choice for girls in various cultures.
Famous People
Carla Bruni, Italian-French singer and model, Carla Gugino, American actress, Carla Hall, American chef and television personality
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,829 peak births in 1961
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Mexico
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3294th of 7552 | 117 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3014th of 10718 | 181 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5421st of 16616 | 127 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1408th of 9107 | 553 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 367th of 9204 | 6,154 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 135th of 12526 | 61,897 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 113th of 19264 | 49,928 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 240th of 27321 | 18,948 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 506th of 35406 | 9,345 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 969th of 30306 | 3,322 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
62.64% 887th/1416 |
79.91% 1102nd/1379 |
- |
80.91% 924th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
17.27% 267th/1546 |
24.87% 387th/1556 |
21.46% 505th/2353 |
15.13% 234th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
4.89% 109th/2227 |
7.28% 177th/2430 |
4.24% 121st/2853 |
4.22% 117th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
3.81% 112th/2937 |
3.93% 137th/3483 |
2.30% 81st/3518 |
3.41% 138th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
7.65% 282nd/3685 |
5.65% 253rd/4475 |
3.87% 201st/5194 |
3.72% 235th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
16.37% 750th/4582 |
10.84% 560th/5164 |
6.71% 491st/7313 |
5.59% 417th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
33.63% 1340th/3984 |
19.50% 875th/4487 |
13.53% 923rd/6822 |
13.53% 849th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Mexico across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3294th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3014th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5421st out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1408th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 367th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 135th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 113th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 240th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 506th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 969th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.