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Home › Baby Names Directory › Carlina

Carlina

♀ Girl

Pronounced kar-LEE-nuh /kɑrˈliː.nə/Medium

Meaning: An Italian and Spanish diminutive of Carla, feminine of Carl/Charles, from the Germanic karl — 'free man' or 'farmer.' Carlina is also the botanical name of the carline thistle, a mountain flower.Low

In 30 seconds: A pretty diminutive of Carla, from the Germanic for 'free man' — and also a mountain thistle (said 'kar-LEE-nuh').
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Origin MediumItalian, Germanic
MeaningAn Italian and Spanish diminutive of Carla, feminine of Carl/Charles, from the Germanic karl — 'free man' or 'farmer.' Carlina is also the botanical name of the carline thistle, a mountain flower.
U.S. rank (2024)#13762 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2012
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,178

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201219422024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Carlina is an Italian and Spanish diminutive of Carla, the feminine of Charles, from the Germanic karl, 'free man; farmer.' It shares its name with the alpine carline thistle, whose botanical genus is Carlina and which legend ties to Charlemagne. Melodic and rooted (said 'kar-LEE-nuh').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, more familiar in Italy and Latin America. Rare, melodic, and classic at root.

Did you know? Carlina doubles as a flower: the carline thistle, a silvery alpine bloom, carries the botanical name Carlina — said to be named for Charlemagne himself (said 'kar-LEE-nuh').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Carlina — Diminutive of Carla; Germanic karl; carline thistle

Variations

CarlineKarlinaCarlita

Nicknames

CarlaLina

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Carlina…

Carla— the name Carlina expands
Carolina— a like Charles-rooted flowing pick
Catalina— a like Spanish -ina choice
Cristina— lands in the same popularity range
Silvana— echoes that soft -na sound

Explore names like Carlina

By themeclassicnatureitaliandiminutive

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Carlina mean?

Carlina is a diminutive of Carla, from the Germanic karl — 'free man; farmer.' It is also a thistle flower.

How do you pronounce Carlina?

It's said kar-LEE-nuh /kɑrˈliː.nə/ — three syllables, stress on the middle.

Is Carlina a boy or girl name?

Carlina is used as a girl's name; the masculine form is Carlo or Carl.

How popular is Carlina?

Carlina is rare in the U.S., better known in Italy and Latin America.

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