Karla

Karla/Carla is the female equivalent of the mainly German Carl/Karl (which is where we get the English Charles). Charles is originally derived from the Germanic word “karl” meaning ‘free man.’ The word seems to indicate that the man is free, but not necessarily one of nobility – which is ironic given the number of “noble” people that have borne the name Charles throughout Europe for centuries. The name owes most of its popularity in Europe from medieval times thanks to the Frankish leader and the first Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne (another variation). The name Charles was particularly popular among the Franks, who were a Germanic tribe. By the 15th century, upper-class people of England began to adopt the name, and Mary Queen of Scots (having been influenced by her French upbringing) named her first son Charles James. He would eventually become King James VI of Scotland and then King James I of England, uniting Scotland, England and Ireland under one monarchy. Both his son and grandson (King Charles I and II) reigned as king after him. The German name Carl/Karl has remained popular among Germans and Scandinavians alike. Karla (with a “k”) is considered the German, Scandinavian and Croatian female form of Charles. So many names have sprung from the German Karl, including Carl, Charles, Charlemagne, Carlo(s), Carla and Carol. Karla is currently ranked high in Croatia and Denmark, but also (surprisingly) Chile.