Camilla is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman goddess Camilla, who was known for her courage and hunting skills. The name means "free-born" or "attendant", referring to the idea that the goddess was born free and independent.
The name Camilla has been used throughout history by various notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Camilla Parker Bowles, who became the Duchess of Cornwall after marrying Prince Charles in 2005. Another notable figure is Saint Camilla of Kalabria, a Italian saint who was born in the 14th century and is known for her devotion to God.
The name Camilla has also been used extensively in literature and art. In Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Camilla appears as one of the fairies attending on Titania. Additionally, a character named Camilla features prominently in the novel "Corinne" by Madame de Staël.
Today, Camilla remains a popular choice for parents looking for a feminine and unique name for their daughter. Its Latin origins give it an elegant and sophisticated sound, while its historical association with courage and independence makes it a strong and powerful name. Overall, Camilla is a beautiful and meaningful name that has stood the test of time.
The name Camilla has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. From 1880 to 1950, the number of babies named Camilla remained relatively low, with an average of fewer than 20 births per year.
However, starting in the mid-1950s, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Camilla. In 1963, the name reached its first peak with 166 babies named Camilla, and this trend continued throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.
After reaching another peak in 1978 with 140 births, the popularity of the name Camilla began to decline. It hit a low point in the mid-1980s with fewer than 100 babies named Camilla per year.
But once again, starting in the late 1990s, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Camilla. In 2007, it reached its highest peak yet with 487 births, and this trend continued throughout the early 2010s.
Over the past decade, the number of babies named Camilla has remained relatively stable, hovering around 900-1,000 births per year. In 2022, there were 918 babies named Camilla in the United States.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been approximately 28,460 babies named Camilla born in the United States. This data demonstrates how trends in baby names can change over time and across generations.