Declining since 1985, #1,082 for girls today.
Popularity of Carla since 1890
Babies named Carla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 54 |
| 1910s | 171 |
| 1920s | 550 |
| 1930s | 2,262 |
| 1940s | 9,486 |
| 1950s | 29,432 |
| 1960s | 47,905 |
| 1970s | 26,841 |
| 1980s | 14,455 |
| 1990s | 8,400 |
| 2000s | 6,167 |
| 2010s | 3,155 |
| 2020s | 1,501 |
Meaning & origin
Carla is a feminine name that has been in steady use in the United States since at least 1890. It reached its peak popularity in 1962, and since 1985 its rank has been falling. In 2025, it ranked 1082 with about 1 in 7207 female births. Carla was most common in states like Nevada, Colorado, and Massachusetts. As a variant of Charles, it carries a long European heritage, particularly in Italian and Spanish-speaking cultures.
Carla is the feminine form of Carlo, the Italian and Spanish form of Charles. Charles derives from the Germanic element *karlaz* meaning 'free man.' The name entered English usage in the 19th century and was popularized in the mid-20th century, peaking in the United States in the 1960s.
Where Carla is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Carla” around the world
Where Carla lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
145
babies in 2024
Ireland
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carlie, Carly, Carlita
Sibling names for Carla
Names that share Carla's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Diana, Marta, Sofia, Elena, Rita, Denise, Charla, Darla, Jeana, Lita, Marla, Leesa, Randa, Bretta, Camela, Carlen, Carlissa, Darcia, Earla, Johanny, Jonda, Tanda, Canda, Chonda, Dalena, Janda, Marcha, Mardi, Decarla, Harla, Mata, Tonnia
Brothers: Marco, Luca, Andre, Paolo, Diego, Mario, Rigo, Cardell, Miquel, Paulo, Pau, Tarvis, Carlas, Celso, Vicent, Carlens, Darrie, Josearmando, Josep, Marlos, Sergi
Names like Carla
Names whose popularity has moved with Carla's over the last 50 years.
