Karla
/ˈkaʁ.la/
Karla is a feminine form of Karl, the Germanic form of Charles, from Old High German Karl meaning “free man.” The K spelling is the standard German, Scandinavian, and Slavic form, distinguishing it from the Latinate Carla.
As a given name, Karla was common in mid-20th-century Germany and Scandinavia, and arrived in the United States with German and Scandinavian immigrants. It later spread through Hispanic communities as well, where both Carla and Karla are used.
Karla peaked at No. 175 in 2002 with 1,840 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 730 with 385 births, declining from its early-2000s high.
What the name Karla means
The name carries a slight edge of vintage seriousness in its K spelling—the same crispness that distinguishes Kathryn from Catherine or Karen from Caren. It projects Germanic efficiency and clarity.
Two syllables—KAR-lah—are direct and grounded. The hard opening consonant and open close give it a confident, no-nonsense character.
Parents choosing Karla today are often doing so for heritage reasons—a grandmother’s name, a connection to German or Scandinavian roots—or simply preferring the K spelling’s visual distinctiveness.
Related forms include Carla (Latinate spelling), Carly, Carol, Carolina, and Charlotte—all members of the Karl/Charles naming family.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Karla
Karla - similar names
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