Last Name Carla

The surname "Carla" is derived from a given name, which has Germanic origins. It is composed of two elements: "karl," meaning "free man," and "-hari," meaning "army." Over time, in various regions and languages, this name has been transformed into different forms such as Carl, Karla, Carolina, etc. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly among the Germanic tribes. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved differently in various geographical areas due to factors like migration, local customs, and language changes. In some cases, a surname might have multiple origins, or its meaning could have been lost over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carla

The meaning and origin of the last name Carla

The surname Carla is primarily a female given name, but when used as a surname, it can originate from various sources due to its relatively modern usage. In some cases, it might be derived from the medieval male given name Carl or Charles, which has Germanic roots and means "free man" or "strong as a man." However, in other contexts, it could be a diminutive form of Carolina, a female name derived from the Latin Carolus, meaning "manly, strong." In terms of its usage as a surname, it's more likely to occur in regions where naming customs allow for the use of given names as surnames. The popularity and use of the surname Carla have grown significantly over the past few decades, particularly in countries like Spain and Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carla

The surname Carla is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, where it originates from the masculine given name Carlos, which means "free man" or "manly". Over time, the feminine form Carla emerged as a separate surname. In Spain, it is most common in regions such as Castile-La Mancha, Madrid, and Valencia. In Portugal, it is more prevalent in areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region. Beyond Iberia, the name has also been introduced through immigration, particularly to South America, with notable populations in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. The surname Carla can also be found among the Portuguese diaspora communities in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carla

The surname Carla can have various spellings and variants due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, and family traditions. Some common variations include: Carla, Carle, Carless, Carly, Carlee, Carol, Carole, Caroll, Carrol, Carroll, Karle, Karla, and Karlie. These variations may stem from changes in spelling conventions over time or assimilation into different cultures. While the original etymology of the name is unclear, it's often thought to be derived from a variety of sources such as Old Norse, German, and Italian names. Some examples include Kåre (Old Norse), Karl (German), and Carlo (Italian). In some cases, the surname may have been feminized from a traditionally masculine given name.

Famous people with the last name Carla

Notable individuals sharing the surname Carla include:

1. Carla Bruni Sarkozy (born 1967), an Italian-French singer-songwriter, model, and former First Lady of France. She is married to Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France.

2. Carla Gugino (born 1971), an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Sin City," "Watchmen," and "Night at the Museum."

3. Carla Hall (born 1964), an American chef, television personality, and author, best known for being a co-host on ABC's "The Chew" and a contestant on Bravo's "Top Chef."

4. Carla Hayden (born 1952), the Librarian of Congress of the United States since 2016. She is the first woman, the first African American, and the third librarian of Congress in U.S. history.

5. Carla Bley (born 1936), an American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader. She has made significant contributions to contemporary jazz since the 1960s.

These individuals have achieved success across various fields including music, politics, television, and culinary arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Carla

The surname Carla is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Kari, which means "free man" or "manly." It was introduced to various European countries by Viking invasions during the Middle Ages. In Italy, where the name is commonly found today, it was likely brought by Normans who invaded the country in the 11th century. The name spread throughout Italy, particularly in regions like Sicily and Calabria, due to migration and conquests over the centuries. Notable figures with the surname Carla include Italian artist Giuseppe Carla (1860-1935), known for his Baroque-inspired sculptures, and Italian physicist Alessandro Carla (born 1947), who made significant contributions to the field of laser physics.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "carla"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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