At its core, Camila is a name of service and nobility. Originating from Latin, it speaks of a young person chosen for their perfection to assist in sacred ceremonies. It implies a sense of purity, duty, and spiritual connection.
Verdict: Camila is a top-tier choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the perfect balance of popularity and elegance. It is familiar enough that everyone will know how to spell and pronounce it, yet it retains a certain romantic flair that separates it from shorter, starker modern names. If you are looking for a name that is melodic, historically rich, and internationally beloved, Camila is a winner.
Camila Overview
- Meaning: The name Camila can either mean an attendant at a religious ceremony or simply “perfect.”
- Gender: Camila is mainly used as a female name, with over 99 percent of people with the name being girls.
- Origin: The name Camila comes from Latin origin.
- Pronunciation: “Ka-mEE-la”
- Popularity: Camila is a very popular name in the United States and is the number 3 C name for females.
- Nicknames: Cam, Cammers, Cami, Mila, Millie Lala
- Variations: Camilla, Camille, Camellia, Kamala, Mila
- Namesakes: Camila Cabello, Cuban-American singer-songwriter; Camila Mendes, Brazilian-American actress
What Does Camila Mean?
The meaning of Camila is steeped in ancient Roman tradition. While many dictionaries simply define it as “young ceremonial attendant,” the nuance is far more fascinating.
Etymologically, it derives from the Latin term camillus (masculine) or camilla (feminine). In the context of the Roman Republic, this was not a servant in the modern sense. A “camilla” was a youth of noble birth, free-born and physically perfect, chosen to assist the High Priests (Flamines) and priestesses during sacred rituals and sacrifices.
Therefore, the name carries connotations of purity, moral perfection, and high social standing. It suggests a person who is spiritually attuned and held in high regard by their community.
Where Does the Name Camila Come From?
Camila is of Latin origin. Its history stretches back to the very foundation myths of Rome.
One of the earliest and most famous literary appearances of the name is in Virgil’s epic poem, The Aeneid, written between 29 and 19 BC. In the poem, Camilla is a legendary Volscian warrior maiden, a huntress who was so fast she could run over a field of wheat without bending the blades or run across the ocean without wetting her feet.
This literary connection gives the name a fierce, athletic, and independent undertone that balances its softer, religious meaning. The specific spelling “Camila” (with one L) is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Roman girl name Camilla, which has helped drive its massive popularity in the Americas.
How Popular is the Name Camila?
Camila is a true modern powerhouse. While it has been in use since the late 19th century, it was often a rare gem in the United States. Its trajectory changed dramatically in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Fueled by the rising influence of Hispanic culture in the US and the crossover appeal of soft, vowel-heavy names, Camila skyrocketed up the charts. It transitioned from a hidden treasure to a Top 20 staple in the last decade.
Currently, it is a dominant force, particularly in states with large Spanish-speaking populations, but its appeal has crossed all demographic lines. It is no longer just a rising star; it is an established classic for the 21st century, sitting comfortably alongside giants like Sofia and Isabella. It is consistently one of the top girls’ names that start with the letter C.
How Do I Pronounce Camila?
The most common pronunciation in the United States, adhering to its Spanish and Portuguese roots, is Ka-MEE-la. The middle syllable rhymes with “see.”
In British English or among those using the “Camilla” spelling, you may hear Kuh-MIL-uh, where the middle syllable is shorter, rhyming with “pill.” However, for the single-L spelling of Camila, the “MEE” sound is the standard.
Is Camila a Boy or Girl Name?
Camila is strictly a feminine name. In modern data, it is used for girls over 99% of the time.
The masculine equivalent is the Latin Camillus or the Italian Camillo. While historically significant, the male versions are extremely rare in English-speaking countries today. If you are looking for a unisex nickname, “Cam” works beautifully for any gender.
Variations of Camila
Thanks to the spread of the Roman Empire and the Latin language, this name has evolved into beautiful forms across the globe.
- Camilla: The classic Italian and English spelling (1).
- Camille: The sophisticated French variation.
- Kamila: Common in Slavic languages (Polish, Czech) and also has separate Arabic roots (meaning “complete”).
- Kamilla: A Hungarian and Scandinavian spelling.
- Kamilah: An Arabic variation often meaning “perfect.”
Nicknames for Camila
Camila is a “playground proof” name because it offers adaptable nicknames for every age and personality type.
- Mila: A trendy standalone name that works perfectly as a short form.
- Cami: The most sweet and traditional nickname.
- Cam: Short, punchy, and effortlessly cool.
- Milla: A chic, European-sounding option.
- Mills: A preppy, affectionate diminutive.
- Cia: A rare, creative twist pulling from the first and last letters.
- Lila: A stretch, but a lovely option focusing on the ending sounds.
Names Similar to Camila
If you love the vibe of Camila but want to explore other options, these names share its romantic, Latin-rooted, or rhythmic qualities:
- Sophia/Sofia: Shares the same international stardom and Greek/Latin elegance.
- Isabella: Another romantic giant that bridges English and Spanish effortlessly.
- Elena: A slightly softer, pan-European choice with a similar vowel-heavy flow.
- Valentina: Carries the same four-syllable grandeur and Latin heritage.
- Gabriella: Offers the same “ella” ending appeal with a biblical connection.
- Luna: Short, celestial, and shares the Spanish/Italian popularity.
- Catalina: A bit longer and more regal, perfect if you want something slightly less common.
- Amelia: Sounds very similar but has different Germanic roots (meaning “work”).
Middle Names for Camila
Finding the right middle name is about balancing the rhythm. Since Camila ends in a vowel, it often pairs well with grounded consonants or nature names.
Classic & Elegant
Modern & Punchy
Nature Inspired
Sibling Names for Camila
Building a sib-set requires matching the “romance” and “timelessness” of Camila.
For a Brother
- Mateo: The perfect stylistic match; energetic and Spanish-rooted.
- Sebastian: A long, lyrical name that holds its own against Camila.
- Leo: Short, strong, and universally recognized.
- Julian: Shares the soft “L” sound and Roman heritage.
- Lucas: A classic that works in every language Camila does.
For a Sister
- Valeria: Strong, feminine, and Latin.
- Natalia: Shares the melodic 3-4 syllable structure.
- Aurora: A princess name with the same vowel-ending flow.
- Eliana: Lyrical, soft, and currently rising in popularity.
- Victoria: A regal classic that never goes out of style.
Famous People Named Camila
The name has significant star power, particularly in music and film.
- Camila Cabello: A global superstar and Cuban-American singer-songwriter known for hits like “Havana.”
- Camila Mendes: An American actress best known for her role as Veronica Lodge on the hit series Riverdale.
- Camila Alves: A Brazilian model, designer, and entrepreneur (married to Matthew McConaughey).
- Camilla, Queen Consort: The wife of King Charles III of the United Kingdom (uses the double-L spelling).
- Camila Morrone: An Argentine-American model and actress known for Daisy Jones & The Six.
Camila in Pop Culture
- Camila Dunne: A central character in the book and TV adaptation Daisy Jones & The Six, representing the heart and stability of the band.
- Camila Rosario: A strong, matriarchal character in the musical and film In the Heights.
- Camila Vargas: A powerful cartel leader in the series Queen of the South.
- Camilla: The famous warrior maiden in Virgil’s Aeneid.
FAQs About the Name Camila
Is Camila a Religious Name?
While the name Camila does not appear in the Bible or religious text, it’s often viewed as a religious name due to its origin and meaning. Because the name translates to a young, religious servant, it can have religious meaning and value to it.
How Many People Are Named Camila?
There are currently about 38,792 people named Camila. The name is most often used as a first name, and databases show that it is used as a girl’s name 100 percent of the time. For every 100,000 Americans, about 0.85 people are named Camila.
What Are Some Personality Traits of People Named Camila?
People with the given name Camila are often powerful, enthusiastic, expressive, and cheerful. They can be very emotional and tend to be super artistic and creative. Women with the name Camila are often very joyful with infectious smiles and personalities. They love to converse with others and are rarely short on words. They are bright and passionate and very likable people. The lucky gems of the name Camila are garnet and amethyst, and the lucky colors include various shades of purple. Camila’s lucky day is Wednesday.
What is the difference between Camila and Camilla?
The primary difference is linguistic origin. Camila (one L) is the Spanish and Portuguese spelling, while Camilla (double L) is the Italian, English, and Scandinavian spelling. In the US, the single-L spelling is currently more popular, largely due to Hispanic influence. The double-L spelling is more traditional in the UK.
Is Camila an Arabic name?
It can be. While the name discussed here is primarily Latin, there is a separate Arabic name “Kamila” (or Kamilah) which is the feminine form of Kamil. In Arabic, it means “complete” or “perfect.” This makes the name a wonderful cross-cultural choice that works in Western and Middle Eastern cultures simultaneously.
Is there a flower associated with the name Camila?
Yes, the Camellia flower is often associated with the name, although the spelling differs slightly. The flower was named after the botanist Georg Joseph Kamel. In the language of flowers, the Camellia represents adoration, longing, and perfection, reinforcing the name’s meaning.
Is Camila considered a rare name?
No, Camila is not rare; it is a very common and popular name. In the United States, it consistently ranks within the top 20 names for girls. If you are looking for a unique or rare name, you might prefer a variation like Camille or Kamilla, which are less frequently used.
What are the best nicknames for Camila?
The most popular nicknames are Cami and Mila. For something more unique, parents sometimes use Milla, Millie, or even Cam. Because the name is lyrical, many families also use affectionate Spanish diminutives like Camilita.
