What does Charla mean and where does it come from?
Charla is derived from the name Charles, which has Old German origins meaning 'free man' or 'strong'. The name Charla has gained popularity in the United States since the 20th century. Notable people with this name include Charla Nash, known for her survival after a tragic incident involving a chimp
Cultural significance
Charla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man, strong.
Peak popularity
Reached #664 in 1968 — currently #15663 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Charla?
Charla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Charla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Charla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Charla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Charla Claire
French influence · crisp
Charla Jane
Literary · strong
Charla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Charla right now?
Falling — down 5834 spots — currently #15663 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #15663 | 5 | ▼ down 5834 · -50% births |
| 2022 | #9829 | 10 | ▲ up 5331 · +100% births |
| 2020 | #15160 | 5 | ▼ down 8165 · -71% births |
| 2015 | #6995 | 17 | ▼ down 335 · -11% births |
| 2010 | #6660 | 19 | ▼ down 1365 · -21% births |
| 2005 | #5295 | 24 | ▼ down 291 · +4% births |
| 2000 | #5004 | 23 | ▼ down 1902 · -38% births |
| 1995 | #3102 | 37 | ▼ down 1204 · -50% births |
| 1990 | #1898 | 74 | ▼ down 536 · -23% births |
| 1985 | #1362 | 96 | ▼ down 392 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #970 | 153 | ▼ down 16 · +16% births |
| 1975 | #954 | 132 | ▼ down 235 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #719 | 210 | ▲ up 54 · +27% births |
| 1965 | #773 | 165 | ▲ up 54 · +4% births |
| 1960 | #827 | 159 | — |
The story of Charla
Charla entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 8,010 total births recorded, Charla remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4820 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15663 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Charla in 1968:
Charla by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 69 | |
| 1930s | 184 | |
| 1940s | 864 | |
| 1950s | 1,522 | |
| 1960s ★ | 1,869 | |
| 1970s | 1,698 | |
| 1980s | 1,039 | |
| 1990s | 414 | |
| 2000s | 215 | |
| 2010s | 120 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 8,010 total births, Charla is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Charla?
DANISH
CarolineCharlotteInaKarolinaKarolineLinaLineLotte
What names sound and feel like Charla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Charla also consider these
How is Charla written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Charla?
Common questions about the name Charla
What does the name Charla mean?
Charla means "Free man, strong" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Charla?
Charla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Charla?
Charla originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Charla?
Charla is a two-syllable name pronounced CH AA1 R L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Charla a common or rare name?
Charla is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.