Girl · 113th of 19,264
Carla
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
150,588
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1961
Peak Popularity Year
5,829
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Carla stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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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
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |