Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Carla
GirlGerman, Italian· “free man (via Charles)”
- Meaning
- free man (via Charles)
- Origin
- German, Italian
- Pronunciation
- KAR-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,083
- US babies 2025
- 223
- Best rank
- #76 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1962
Meaning and origin of Carla
Carla is a German and Italian name that means “free man (via Charles)”.
Carla is the feminine form of Carl or Carlo, which come from Charles, a Germanic name meaning man or free man. Charles spread through Europe with Charlemagne, whose Latin name was Carolus Magnus, and later with many kings named Charles and Carlos. Carla is used in German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and English. Well-known bearers include the Italian-born French singer Carla Bruni and the American actress Carla Gugino. Carly and Carlie developed as English diminutives from the same root, and related feminine forms include Caroline, Carolina and Charlotte.
Popularity over time
Carla first appears in US Social Security records in 1890. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 94 different years, starting in 1926. Its best national rank was #76 in 1965, and the most babies received it in 1962, when 5,820 were named Carla. In 2025, 223 babies were named Carla, and it ranked #1,083 nationally. That is 30% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,630 in 1920, #160 in 1950, #152 in 1980, #404 in 2000, #753 in 2010, and #1,083 in 2025. Of the 150,390 US girls named Carla since records began, 32% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 29,432 babies. Since 2010, 4,656 more have been named Carla.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sherri, Penny, Regina, Beth, and Suzanne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Carla ranked highest in Nevada, Massachusetts, and Colorado.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #534 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | #573 | 9 |
| Colorado | #596 | 9 |
| California | #739 | 42 |
| New York | #868 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Carla is usually pronounced KAR-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Carla
A few middle names that flow with Carla: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Carla
Similar names
Karla Girl
KAHR-luh
“free man” · German
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pah-OH-luh
“small” · Italian
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“variant of Bella; beautiful” · Italian
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Annabella Girl
a-nuh-BEH-luh
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SHAY-luh
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Sandra Girl
SAN-druh
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Lists that include Carla
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Carla mean?
Carla is a German and Italian name that means “free man (via Charles)”.
What is the origin of the name Carla?
Carla has German, Italian, and Germanic roots. Carla is the feminine form of Carl or Carlo, which come from Charles, a Germanic name meaning man or free man.
Is Carla a popular name?
Not especially. Carla ranked #1,083 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Carla a boy or girl name?
Carla is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Carla?
Carla is usually pronounced KAR-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings