Carla

Updated: October 12, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

Carla was a top 1,000 baby name for girls in the United States for years before it finally fell out of favor around 2017. However, it seems to be on the rise again and could rejoin the list sometime during the 2020s. The name can sound a bit dated, but pair it with a trendy middle name to make it more current. It's also a great way to honor a relative or loved one named Carl or Charles.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Carla:

Carla is the feminine version of the baby name Carl, which is derived from Charles. It's also considered a short form of Caroline or Charlotte. All of these names were derived from the word “ceorl,” which meant “free man” during the early Middle Ages. It was most likely used to refer to a person who was free but who was not a member of nobility.

Symbolism of the Name Carla:

Carla doesn't offer much in the way of symbolism, but it would make a great choice to honor a father, grandfather, or other male loved one name Carl or Charles.

Nicknames for the Name Carla:

Carla is a fairly unique name to give to a baby! Check out our list of the best nicknames for Carla right here:

Car
Carlie
Carli
Carly
Karlie
La
Lala
Arla
Arls
Charlie
Cars
Cara
Carl

Style of the Name Carla:

Modern

Gender of the Name Carla:

Carla is a girl's name.

Pronunciation of the Name Carla:

KAR-luh

Number of Syllables in the Name Carla:

Two

Emotion Evoked From the Name Carla:

The baby name Carla evokes images of someone who is bright and cheerful.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Carla:

Karla
Carlah

Popularity of the Name Carla:

According to the Social Security Administration, Carla was a top 1,000 baby name between 1926 and 2017. It was even a top 100 name during the 1960s. It last ranked at number 923 in 2022.