Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name 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.

All About the Baby Name – Karla

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KARLA

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KARLA

Karla first appeared on the U.S. female naming charts in 1936. The name quickly climbed to the height of its popularity in the 1960s (which is right when the more popular version of the name, Carla, was doing her best on the charts). Karla has really never achieved more than moderate popularity. Today, she appears to be receding down the list of most favored girl names in America. What’s interesting about this name is that it demonstrates the American parents’ love-affair with the “K” names. Karla is now more popular than Carla, and we are starting to see typical “C” names convert into the more phonetically rendered “K” sound (Khloe, Kaitlin, Kamila, Kameron, Kassidy, Kassandra, Kaydence, Krystal and Kourtney). It’s a bit nauseating now that swapping in the K for a C has become such an out of control fad. Karla could be considered an innocent casualty of this maddening trend because it truly is a legitimate spelling of Carla. The name is simple with a pretty severity and we love the ‘freedom’ aspect of its etymology.

Quick Facts

ON KARLA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

474

PRONUNCIATION:

KAR-la

SIMPLE MEANING:

Free woman

Characteristics

OF KARLA

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Karla

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KARLA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Karla

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KARLA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Karla


Popular Songs

ON KARLA

Karla with a K
a song by The Hooters

Famous People

NAMED KARLA

Karla DeVito (musician)
Karla Homolka (Canadian serial killer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KARLA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Karla

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KARLA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Karla