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Carlotta

♀ Girl

Pronounced kar-LOT-uh /kɑrˈlɑt.ə/High

Meaning: Free woman; Italian feminine form of Charles, from Germanic karl, 'free man'High

In 30 seconds: The Italian take on Charlotte, with operatic flair and a rolling triple rhythm. It carries the same root as Charles — 'free man' — dressed in Mediterranean style.

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Origin HighItalian, Germanic

MeaningFree woman; Italian feminine form of Charles, from Germanic karl, 'free man'

U.S. rank (2025)#4086 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births35 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1948

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,462

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Carlotta is the Italian form of Charlotte, itself the French feminine of Charles, which traces back to the Germanic word karl, meaning a free man. Like Charlotte, it spread through European courts, and its Spanish sibling Carlota was borne by the Belgian-born empress of Mexico in the 1860s.

In the English-speaking world Carlotta has always been rarer than Charlotte, giving it a touch of drama — it names the demanding prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera and a memorable figure in Hitchcock's Vertigo. It remains an uncommon, distinctive alternative to its hugely popular French cousin.

Did you know? Italian ballerina Carlotta Grisi created the title role in Giselle in Paris in 1841, one of the most coveted parts in classical ballet.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Carlotta — etymology

Variations

CarlotaCharlotteKarlotta

Nicknames

LottieCarlaLotta

Famous Bearers

★Carlotta Grisi (1819–1899)
Italian ballerina who originated the title role in the ballet Giselle.

If you like Carlotta…

Charlotte— the French form Carlotta translates directly

Arabella— another lavish multi-syllable name with old European roots

Francesca— a fellow Italian classic with romantic, operatic energy

Valentina— shares the Latin warmth and dramatic four-beat rhythm

Explore names like Carlotta

By themevintage italian international

By meaningFreedom

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Carlotta mean?

Carlotta is the Italian form of Charlotte, ultimately from Germanic karl, meaning 'free man' — so it is usually glossed as 'free woman'.

How do you pronounce Carlotta?

It's said kar-LOT-uh /kɑrˈlɑt.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Carlotta a boy or girl name?

Carlotta is a girl's name, the feminine Italian form of Charles.

How popular is Carlotta?

Carlotta is a rare choice in the U.S., far less common than its sister name Charlotte, which gives it a distinctive vintage appeal.