Carla is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "carulus," which means "strong" or "vigorous." The name Carla has been used for centuries, with its earliest known use dating back to the Middle Ages in Italy.
The name Carla gained popularity during the Renaissance period, when many Italian artists and writers used it as a character name in their works. One notable example is Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew," which features a character named Katherina, also known as Kate or Cat in some versions, whose nickname is Caterwaul, a corruption of Carla.
In more recent times, Carla has been popularized by several well-known individuals. For instance, Carla Bruni, an Italian-French singer-songwriter and former first lady of France, has helped to increase the name's visibility. Additionally, Carla Gugino, an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Sin City" and "Night at the Museum," has also contributed to its popularity.
Despite being of Italian origin, Carla is not exclusive to Italy. It has been adopted by other countries and cultures throughout Europe and beyond. Today, it remains a popular choice among parents seeking a strong and distinctive name for their daughters.
In conclusion, Carla is a classic feminine given name with roots in ancient Latin language and a rich history that spans centuries of art, literature, and culture. Its meaning – "strong" or "vigorous" – reflects the power and resilience associated with this enduring moniker.
The name Carla has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past seven decades, with a total of 425 babies named Carla between 1946 and 1995. The popularity of the name peaked in the mid-1960s to early 1970s, with a high of 19 births in 1967 and 17 births in 1966.
Interestingly, there was a significant drop in the number of babies named Carla after the mid-1970s, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1973 onwards. However, there were still some years where the name remained relatively popular, such as in 1980 and 1981 when there were 14 births each year.
Overall, while Carla may not have been one of the most common names given to babies in the United States during this time period, it was still a frequently chosen name for girls. The statistics show that parents have consistently liked the name Carla over several decades, even if its popularity has waxed and waned over time.