Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Karla
GirlGerman, Germanic· “free man”
- Meaning
- free man
- Origin
- German, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- KAHR-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #803
- US babies 2025
- 340
- Best rank
- #175 (2002)
- Peak year
- 1964
Meaning and origin of Karla
Karla is a German and Germanic name that means “free man”.
Karla is a feminine form of Karl, the German form of Charles, from a Germanic word meaning free man. It is used in German, Scandinavian, Slavic and Spanish-speaking countries, and it is the K spelling of the more widespread Carla. Charles was the name of many European rulers, beginning with Charlemagne, and its feminine forms followed it across the continent. Karla is common among Latino families in the United States. It feels crisp and straightforward, easy to say in many languages, and it pairs well with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Karla first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 90 different years, starting in 1936. Its best national rank was #175 in 2002, and the most babies received it in 1964, when 2,060 were named Karla. In 2025, 340 babies were named Karla, and it ranked #803 nationally. That is 45% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,353 in 1920, #319 in 1950, #251 in 1980, #203 in 2000, #325 in 2010, and #803 in 2025. Of the 91,586 US girls named Karla since records began, 19% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 16,145 babies. Since 2010, 8,934 more have been named Karla.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Ronda, Robyn, Tammie, Darla, and Deneen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Karla ranked highest in Arizona, Colorado, and Florida.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Karla is usually pronounced KAHR-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Karla
A few middle names that flow with Karla: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Karla
Similar names
Heidi Girl
HY-dee
“noble kind” · German
#340
Willa Girl
WIL-uh
“will, desire; protection” · English
#422
Carla Girl
KAR-luh
“free man (via Charles)” · German
#1,083
Della Girl
DEH-luh
“short form of Adela; noble” · Germanic
#563
Ella Girl
EH-luh
“other; also a short form” · Germanic
#29
Paula Girl
PAW-luh
“small” · Latin
#855
Bella Girl
BEL-uh
“beautiful” · Italian
#136
Kayla Girl
KAY-luh
“modern coinage; possibly from Kay” · American (modern coinage)
#364
Laila Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#413
Jayla Girl
JAY-luh
“blend of Jay and -la” · American (modern coinage)
#530
Lila Girl
LY-luh
“play (Sanskrit); night (Arabic)” · Sanskrit
#187
Leila Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#259
Lists that include Karla
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Karla mean?
Karla is a German and Germanic name that means “free man”.
What is the origin of the name Karla?
Karla has German and Germanic roots. Karla is a feminine form of Karl, the German form of Charles, from a Germanic word meaning free man.
Is Karla a popular name?
Yes. Karla ranked #803 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Karla a boy or girl name?
Karla is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Karla?
Karla is usually pronounced KAHR-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings