Carla Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationKAR-lah / /ˈkɑːr.lə/Latin; Italian
Meaning
Latin: free woman; Italian: strong
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Carla has its roots in the Germanic name Karl, which means "free man." The name Karl evolved into various forms across different languages, including Charles in French and Carlo in Italian. The feminine form Carla emerged from these variations, particularly in the context of Italian and Spanish cultures, where it became a popular name for girls. The transition of Carla into English can be traced through the influence of these languages, particularly during the Renaissance when classical names were revived and adapted into English usage.
Historically, the name Carla has been associated with notable figures, such as Saint Charles Borromeo, a prominent Catholic saint from the 16th century, who contributed significantly to the Counter-Reformation. His influence helped popularize the name Charles and its derivatives, including Carla, in various European cultures. Additionally, the name gained further recognition through royal connections, as Charles has been borne by numerous kings and princes throughout European history, reinforcing its noble connotations.
Culturally, the name Carla embodies themes of strength and independence, reflecting its etymological roots. It has been embraced in various artistic and literary contexts, often symbolizing resilience and empowerment. The name has also inspired diminutive forms such as Carlie or Carly, which have been used affectionately in different cultures. Overall, Carla's historical and cultural significance is marked by its connections to freedom, nobility, and feminine strength, ensuring its enduring presence in various societies.
Trend Summary
Carla has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Carla
- Karla
International Variants
- Carla (Spanish)
- Karla (German)
- Carole (French)
Famous people named Carla
Carla Bruni is a singer and songwriter best known for Quelqu'un m'a dit, No Promises, and French Touch.
Carla Gugino is an actress best known for Sin City, Watchmen, and The Haunting of Hill House.
Carla Hall is a chef and television personality best known for The Chew, Top Chef, and her cookbooks.
Carla Morrison is a singer-songwriter best known for Déjenme Llorar, Amor Supremo, and her Grammy nominations.
Carla Fendi is a fashion designer best known for co-founding the Fendi fashion house and her contributions to luxury fashion.
Fictional characters named Carla
Carla is a fictional character from the TV series Cheers. She is a sharp-tongued waitress known for her sarcastic humor and strong personality.
Carla is a fictional character from the animated series The Magic School Bus. She is a student in Ms. Frizzle's class who often participates in the educational adventures.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Carla was first seen in the United States in 1890. Carla has ranked as high as #145 nationally, which occurred in 1962, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Carla has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Carla (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 46 | |
CA | 37 | |
FL | 22 | |
NY | 18 | |
AZ | 14 | |
GA | 10 | |
NC | 10 | |
IL | 9 | |
NJ | 8 | |
OH | 7 | |
TN | 6 | |
PA | 6 | |
SC | 5 | |
VA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1890 | 5 |
1892 | 6 |
1900 | 5 |
1901 | 8 |
1902 | 6 |
1903 | 5 |
1905 | 5 |
1906 | 10 |
1908 | 7 |
1909 | 8 |
1910 | 8 |
1911 | 17 |
1912 | 5 |
1913 | 13 |
1914 | 17 |
1915 | 23 |
1916 | 21 |
1917 | 20 |
1918 | 31 |
1919 | 16 |
1920 | 26 |
1921 | 29 |
1922 | 19 |
1923 | 30 |
1924 | 36 |
1925 | 39 |
1926 | 72 |
1927 | 82 |
1928 | 93 |
1929 | 124 |
1930 | 153 |
1931 | 165 |
1932 | 197 |
1933 | 175 |
1934 | 200 |
1935 | 214 |
1936 | 244 |
1937 | 256 |
1938 | 311 |
1939 | 347 |
1940 | 440 |
1941 | 455 |
1942 | 554 |
1943 | 642 |
1944 | 722 |
1945 | 862 |
1946 | 1,201 |
1947 | 1,569 |
1948 | 1,543 |
1949 | 1,498 |
1950 | 1,753 |
1951 | 2,172 |
1952 | 2,565 |
1953 | 2,760 |
1954 | 2,889 |
1955 | 3,066 |
1956 | 3,320 |
1957 | 3,470 |
1958 | 3,502 |
1959 | 3,935 |
1960 | 4,374 |
1961 | 5,817 |
1962 | 5,821 |
1963 | 5,264 |
1964 | 5,378 |
1965 | 4,781 |
1966 | 4,508 |
1967 | 4,185 |
1968 | 3,813 |
1969 | 3,964 |
1970 | 4,214 |
1971 | 3,556 |
1972 | 3,083 |
1973 | 2,686 |
1974 | 2,571 |
1975 | 2,315 |
1976 | 2,249 |
1977 | 2,099 |
1978 | 2,102 |
1979 | 1,970 |
1980 | 1,832 |
1981 | 1,789 |
1982 | 1,759 |
1983 | 1,528 |
1984 | 1,454 |
1985 | 1,397 |
1986 | 1,343 |
1987 | 1,198 |
1988 | 1,086 |
1989 | 1,067 |
1990 | 1,092 |
1991 | 1,009 |
1992 | 1,013 |
1993 | 882 |
1994 | 798 |
1995 | 764 |
1996 | 769 |
1997 | 725 |
1998 | 668 |
1999 | 679 |
2000 | 706 |
2001 | 674 |
2002 | 764 |
2003 | 648 |
2004 | 629 |
2005 | 585 |
2006 | 610 |
2007 | 579 |
2008 | 531 |
2009 | 440 |
2010 | 368 |
2011 | 368 |
2012 | 371 |
2013 | 300 |
2014 | 320 |
2015 | 318 |
2016 | 323 |
2017 | 279 |
2018 | 255 |
2019 | 252 |
2020 | 245 |
2021 | 220 |
2022 | 291 |
2023 | 267 |
2024 | 252 |