Carla
How to say it: KAR-luh · /ˈkɑrlə/
Feminine form of Carlo/Carl, from Germanic Karl meaning 'free man' or 'strong man'.
Carla was the 518th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 223 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1960s, its births are down about 40% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #574 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #518 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 223 |
| Share of births | 1 in 5,888 |
| Peak decade | 1960s |
| Change over 10 years | −40% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #574 |
| In France, 2025 | #361 among girls’ names, 130 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After peaking in the 1960s, Carla drifted steadily downward. Far below that high point now, it should keep slipping.
What goes with it
Soft liquid sounds mixed with crisp edges shape its two syllables. Carmen pairs nicely alongside it.
Nicknames
- Carly
- Carl
Honouring a Carla in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Carla is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish.
In France: #361 for girls in 2025.
Ireland: #331.
Famous people named Carla
- Carla Bruni (born 1967)Italian and French singer, model and spouse of former president of France
- Carla Gugino (born 1971)American actress
- Carla Del Ponte (born 1947)International jurist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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