Camila: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Camila is a female name of Latin origin, meaning "young ceremonial attendant" or "noble". It has become one of the most popular names in the US, particularly in the 21st century.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Latin |
| Meaning | Young ceremonial attendant, noble |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | kah-MEE-lah |
Etymology of Camila
Camila derives from the Latin name Camilla, which appears in Virgil's epic poem the Aeneid. The name possibly comes from the Latin word camillus, meaning "young ceremonial attendant" or "acolyte" who assisted in religious rituals.
In Roman mythology, Camilla was a warrior maiden, daughter of King Metabus of the Volsci. Virgil portrayed her as a fierce huntress and warrior who fought against Aeneas and the Trojans. The literary connection has given the name connotations of strength, independence, and nobility.
The name entered modern usage through its literary and historical associations, spreading from Italy throughout Europe and Latin America. The single-L spelling "Camila" became standard in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.
History of Camila
Origins and Early Use
The name first appeared in classical Latin literature through Virgil's Aeneid (29-19 BCE), where Camilla was depicted as a swift warrior who could run across a field of grain without bending the blades. This mythological origin established the name's association with strength and grace.
Rise to Popularity
The name remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries until the late 20th century. Its modern popularity surge began in Hispanic communities in the United States and gained broader appeal through cultural exchange.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st century BCE | Virgil's Aeneid published | Established literary prestige |
| 1990s-2000s | Latin music and culture rise | Increased US Hispanic usage |
| 2010s-2020s | Celebrity bearers (Camila Cabello, etc.) | Mainstream adoption across demographics |
Modern Usage
Camila experienced dramatic growth in the 2000s, rising from relative obscurity to the top 20 names in the United States by the 2020s. The name appeals to parents seeking a name that bridges cultural traditions while sounding contemporary and elegant.
Key insight: This name rose because of increasing cultural appreciation for Latin heritage and the appeal of names ending in "-a" with clear pronunciation across languages, and has stabilized as a modern classic that works in both English and Spanish contexts.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Camila when they want to convey elegance, cultural connection, and strength, especially in contexts involving bilingual families or appreciation for classical literature and warrior femininity.
Variants of Camila
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Camilla | Traditional double-L spelling |
| Italian | Camilla | Classical form |
| Spanish | Camila | Single-L standard form |
| Portuguese | Camila | Brazilian standard |
| French | Camille | Became unisex in French |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
- Cami
- Mila
- Millie
- Cam
Similar Names
- Camilla - traditional English spelling with double-L
- Mila - shortened form, increasingly popular as standalone name
- Emilia - similar Latin ending and rhythm
Camila Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | - | - |
| 1920s | #4017 | 7 |
| 1940s | - | - |
| 1960s | #5227 | 7 |
| 1980s | #4014 | 19 |
| 2000s | #660 | 370 |
| 2020s | #11 | 8,164 |
| 2024s | #11 | 7,608 |
Peak: 2020, ranked #11 (8,164 births)
Current (2024): #11 (7,608 births)
Trend analysis: The dramatic rise from virtual obscurity in the 1980s to top-15 status reflects broader cultural shifts toward Hispanic names and the influence of Latin music and entertainment figures in mainstream American culture.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Camila as a Username
Availability
"camila" as a username is often taken on major platforms due to the name's high popularity, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | camila | Professional |
| With numbers | camila99 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | cami, cmila | Social media |
| Stylized | xcamila, camilax | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Camila as an ID tends to project:
- Warmth and approachability - because the soft sounds and familiar rhythm feel friendly
- Cultural sophistication - because the name carries Latin heritage and literary associations
- Contemporary style - because the name is currently popular and modern-sounding
Best for: Personal brands, creative portfolios, lifestyle content, bilingual contexts
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to avoid the high popularity that reduces availability.
Is Camila good for a username?
Camila works well as a username if you value elegance, cultural resonance, and a name that works across languages. However, due to its high popularity (ranked #11 in 2024), you may need variations like cami, camilaofficial, or camila___ to secure availability on popular platforms.
FAQ
What does Camila mean?
Camila means "young ceremonial attendant" or "noble" from Latin, originally appearing in Virgil's Aeneid as a warrior maiden's name.
Is Camila popular?
According to SSA data, Camila ranks #11 in the US (2024). It has been consistently in the top 20 since the late 2010s and is currently stable at very high popularity.
What are nicknames for Camila?
Common nicknames: Cami, Mila, Millie, Cam.
Is Camila a boy's or girl's name?
Camila is traditionally a female name. The French variant Camille has become unisex, but the Spanish/Portuguese spelling Camila remains predominantly feminine.
How do you pronounce Camila?
Camila is pronounced kah-MEE-lah, with stress on the second syllable. In English contexts, it may sometimes be pronounced kuh-MILL-uh.
Is Camila good for a username?
Camila works well as a username if you value elegance and cultural resonance, though high popularity may require variations like cami or camila99 for availability.
Related Names
- Camilla - traditional English spelling, same origin
- Mila - shortened form, increasingly standalone
- Emilia - similar Latin origin meaning "rival", shares elegant sound
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026