Karla
Karla is a girl name of Germanic origin meaning “Free woman”, pronounced KAR-lah. It ranked #803 in the United States in 2025, given to 340 babies, and peaked at #175 in 2002. Common nicknames: Kar, Karlie.
How popular is Karla in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Karla mean, and where does it come from?
Karla is the feminine form of Karl, itself derived from the Old Germanic word "karl," meaning "free man" or "commoner," the same root that gives us Charles and Carl. It has long been a common name across Germany, Scandinavia, and Slavic Europe, and it became widely used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries as well. Karla combines a strong Germanic heritage with a soft, feminine sound, giving it enduring cross-cultural appeal.
How is Karla used around the world?
Karla is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
Male FormKarel
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Karla?
Famous People Named Karla
- Karla Souza — Mexican-American actress (How to Get Away with Murder)
- Karla Bonoff — American singer-songwriter
Similar Names to Karla
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Sibling Name Ideas for Karla
Looking for names that pair well with Karla? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Karla mean?
Karla is a girl name of Germanic origin meaning "Free woman." Karla is the feminine form of Karl, itself derived from the Old Germanic word "karl," meaning "free man" or "commoner," the same root that gives us Charles and Carl. It has long been a common name across Germany, Scandinavia, and Slavic Europe, and it became widely used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries as well.
How do you pronounce Karla?
Karla is pronounced KAR-lah. Common variations include Carla, Karlah, Carlah.
Is Karla a girl name?
Yes, Karla is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Kar, Karlie.