MallowbyNames

Camela

kuh-MEL-uh · Likely a variant of Camilla, meaning 'attendant at a religious service' or 'unblemished character', though its exact derivation is uncertain.

Peak popularity
1967
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Camela since 1914

Babies named Camela per year in U.S. Social Security records.

142943192019602000Most births 1963Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s16
1920s0
1930s0
1940s5
1950s65
1960s288
1970s209
1980s129
1990s46
2000s11
2010s16
2020s12

Meaning & origin

Camela is a rare name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1914 and has never entered the top 1,000 names, maintaining a stable presence with modest usage. Its peak year was 1967, aligning with the broader mid-century popularity of similar-sounding names like Camilla and Camille. The name's trajectory has been stable, neither rising sharply nor declining, suggesting consistent but limited appeal. Although it did not chart in top states, Camela remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with classic Latin roots and a gentle, melodic sound.

Camela is generally considered a modern English variant of Camilla, which itself derives from the Latin 'camillus' (young ceremonial attendant). The name entered English usage in the 19th century and saw modest popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1967.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cam, Cammie, Mela

Variants: Camilla, Camille, Camelia, Camellia

Sibling names for Camela

Names that share Camela's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Carla, Martha, Sandra, Delia, Rita

Brothers: Dennis, Gary, Bruce, Keith, Ralph

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Camela, our favorite little girl.

C is for Camela…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Camela's letter becomes Camela's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Camela's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Camela mean?
Camela is most likely a variant of Camilla, which has Latin roots meaning 'attendant at a religious service.' It may also be linked to the word 'camellia,' the flower.
How popular is the name Camela?
Camela has never ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names. It saw its highest use in the 1960s, peaking in 1967, but has remained rare.
Is Camela typically a girl's name?
Yes, Camela is almost exclusively used for girls.