Girls · #19 in 2025
Camila: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Spanish and Portuguese form of Camilla
- Meaning
- Uncertain; from the Roman name Camillus
- Pronunciation
- kah-MEE-lah; kuh-MEE-luh in English
- Nickname options
- Cami, Mila
Origin and meaning
Camila is a Spanish and Portuguese form of Camilla, related to the Roman family name Camillus. Its ultimate meaning is uncertain. The frequently repeated ritual-attendant explanation comes from a similar Latin word, but that connection is speculative.
U.S. popularity
Camila ranked #19 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 6,591 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #11, reached in 2020, 2024. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Camila has a graceful rise and fall, with a strong middle syllable that keeps it grounded. Cami feels friendly and casual, while Mila gives the same full name a sleeker everyday option. It offers romance without an especially elaborate spelling.
Things to consider
Camila and Camilla are typically pronounced differently, especially in English. Make sure the spelling you choose matches the sound you want people to use.
If you love Camila, consider…
- Emilia: Shares the flowing rhythm and soft middle.
- Mila: Offers Camila's shorter option as a full name.
- Elena: Keeps the smooth, vowel-rich sound.
- Valentina: Adds more length and dramatic presence.
- Lucia: Brings a similarly graceful ending.
- Sofia: Offers familiar softness with a different center.
- Amara: Keeps the open vowels and warm feel.
- Carolina: Expands the shape into a longer classic.