A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Carlota since 1887
Babies named Carlota per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2023, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Carlota's real moment was 1887.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 13 |
| 1890s | 54 |
| 1900s | 107 |
| 1910s | 236 |
| 1920s | 351 |
| 1930s | 215 |
| 1940s | 191 |
| 1950s | 126 |
| 1960s | 121 |
| 1970s | 141 |
| 1980s | 109 |
| 1990s | 82 |
| 2000s | 103 |
| 2010s | 289 |
| 2020s | 322 |
Meaning & origin
Carlota is a name of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origin, meaning 'free woman'. It has been in consistent use in the United States since 1887, when it first appeared in Social Security records. The name has experienced a notable revival since 1991, steadily rising in popularity. In the 1880s, Carlota was particularly favored, achieving its peak rank in 1887. Today, it is most common in Florida and Texas, reflecting its cultural ties to Hispanic communities. While not among the top names, Carlota maintains a steady presence, with a rank of 3645 in 2025 and a one-in-39,202 incidence rate. Its revival since the early 1990s suggests a renewed interest in classic, multicultural names.
Carlota is the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian feminine form of Charles, derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man'. The name has been used in Iberian royal families since the 18th century, notably borne by Charlotte of Spain, who became Empress of Mexico. It remains popular in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Where Carlota is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Carlota” around the world
Where Carlota lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carla, Lota, Loló
Variants: Carlotta
Sibling names for Carlota
Names that share Carlota's style, for a brother or sister.
