Carla

girlGermanic

Carla is a girl name of Germanic origin, meaning “Free woman”.

MeaningFree woman
GenderGirl
OriginGermanic
PronunciationKAR-luh
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inItaly, Spain, Germany, United States

Meaning and origin of Carla

Carla is a feminine form of Carl or Carlo, from the Germanic karl, 'man' or 'free man'. It is used in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German and English, and is related to Caroline and Charlotte, which come from the same root. Carla Bruni, the singer and former First Lady of France, is a well-known bearer.

Is Carla a religious name?

Carla has no religious background; it is a Germanic name used throughout Europe.

How popular is Carla?

Popular in Spain, Portugal and Italy; steady in English-speaking countries.

Gifts with the name Carla

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Carla

Names similar to Carla

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Carla mean?

Carla means 'Free woman'. It is of Germanic origin.

Does Carla have a religious meaning?

Carla has no religious background; it is a Germanic name used throughout Europe.

How do you pronounce Carla?

Carla is pronounced KAR-luh.

Is Carla a boy or girl name?

Carla is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.