The name Carla is of Italian origin and has a rich history and meaning behind it. It is derived from the male name Carl, which is itself derived from the Germanic element "Karl", meaning "strong" or "free man". The female form of this name, Carla, emerged in Italy during the late Middle Ages.
In Italian, Carla means "strength" or "freedom". This powerful and independent connotation has contributed to the popularity of the name over time. It is often used as a feminine counterpart to the male names Carl and Charles.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Carla. One famous example is Carla Bruni, an Italian-French singer-songwriter who became First Lady of France after marrying then-President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008. Another notable figure is Carlauren Fitzpatrick, a British social media influencer known for her travel vlogs.
The name Carla has also been used extensively in literature and popular culture. It appears as the title character in "Carla's shield", a short story by Italian author Italo Calvino. In television, Carla Espinosa is a beloved character from the sitcom "Scrubs".
Today, Carla remains a popular choice among parents looking for a strong and unique name for their daughter. Its timeless meaning and rich history make it a compelling option for those seeking a name with depth and character.
The name Carla has a rich history of usage in the United States, with records dating back to the late 19th century. Between 1890 and 1923, there were fluctuations in the number of births given the name Carla, ranging from just 5 in some years to a peak of 36 in 1924.
The 1930s and 1940s saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name Carla. The highest number of births during this period was recorded in 1946, with 1201 babies named Carla. This trend continued into the 1950s, with the name reaching its peak popularity between 1951 and 1959, during which time over 3000 babies were named Carla each year.
However, from the early 1960s onwards, the usage of the name Carla began to decline. By the late 1970s, the number of births with the name had dropped below 2000 per year, and this downward trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
In recent years, the name Carla has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with over 300 babies named Carla each year between 2002 and 2016. However, it is not as popular as it was during its peak in the mid-20th century.
Overall, the name Carla has been used consistently throughout American history, with fluctuations in popularity over time. Despite a recent decline in usage, it remains a well-established name with a strong historical presence.