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.
These statistics show a name, Camilla, that started with relatively few births per year in the late 19th century, peaking at just 22 births in 1890. However, it began to gain popularity around the turn of the century, reaching over 100 births per year by 1912. The name's popularity continued to grow steadily throughout the mid-20th century, with significant spikes during World War II and its aftermath. In the late 20th century, Camilla reached peak popularity, with over 600 births in some years between 2007 and 2013. However, since then, its popularity has begun to decline, with fewer than 1000 births recorded annually in recent years. Despite this decrease, Camilla remains a popular name, with over 900 births recorded in 2023. Overall, these statistics illustrate the ebb and flow of naming trends over time, with Camilla experiencing periods of both popularity and decline since its introduction as a baby name.