Camilla - Name Meaning and Origin
- Origin
- Latin, Etruscan
- Meaning
- Free-born, Noble, or Honorable
- Pronunciation
- kə-MIL-ə
- Gender
- Female
- Variations
- Camille, Kamila, Kamilla
- Notable Namesakes
- Queen Camilla (Wife of King Charles III of the United Kingdom)
Etymology & Heritage
Camilla is a name steeped in classical antiquity and literary tradition, carrying within it the echoes of tales of heroism, royal bearing, and grace. It hails from Latin origin and is further rooted in the ancient Etruscan civilization, where it was a popular name. The romantic richness of its Latin roots adds to the allure of Camilla.
In its etymology, Camilla means free-born, noble or honorable. One of the earliest instances of Camilla in literature is in Virgil's epic, The Aeneid, where Camilla of the Volscians is a warrior maiden—a figure of valor, strength, and dignity.
Character & Essence
Sharing its ethereal beauty with the camellia flower, Camilla exudes a delicate allure. The name possesses a melodious sound that is both elegant and powerful, suiting perfectly those with an aristocratic bearing yet retaining all their gentle grace.
It evokes images of brave heroines and noble ladies from history, literature, and mythology. In essence, it is a name that carries the strength of its historical bearers, whilst portraying a captivating and regal gentleness.
Cultural & Contemporary Significance
Since the 16th century, Camilla has been in use in England, becoming especially popular in the 19th century during the Victorian era with its love of classical names. It also holds royal connotations in the modern world. Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, is a well-known bearer of the name.
In recent years, Camilla has seen a rise in popularity in other parts of the world, including several European countries where variations of the name are also quite common, such as Camille in France or Kamila in Poland.
In popular culture, the name has received attention through characters in books, films, and TV shows, including a character in Daphne du Maurier's novel Rebecca. Overall, Camilla is a name of grace and power drawn from deep historical and literary roots. It suits those who seek a name with both a sense of strong cultural history and a timeless elegance—a name that stands its ground, yet does so with an understated and poised dignity.