Karla

girlGermanicChristian

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

MeaningFree woman
GenderGirl
OriginGermanic
PronunciationKAR-lah
TraditionChristian, Modern & Classic
Used inMexico, Germany, Croatia, Guatemala

Meaning and origin of Karla

Karla is a feminine of Karl or Carlos, from the Germanic word karl, 'man, free man'. The name spread through the fame of Charlemagne, whose name in Latin was Carolus Magnus. The K spelling is common in German, Scandinavian, Slavic and Latin American use; in Mexico and Central America Karla became especially popular in the late twentieth century. Carla, Carolina and Charlotte belong to the same family.

Is Karla a Christian name?

Karla has no biblical root, though saints named Charles, such as Charles Borromeo, link the family to Catholic tradition. It is used without a strong religious meaning.

How popular is Karla?

Common in Mexico and Central America and in parts of Central Europe.

Gifts with the name Karla

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Spellings and variants of Karla

Names similar to Karla

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Karla mean?

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

Is Karla a Christian name?

Karla has no biblical root, though saints named Charles, such as Charles Borromeo, link the family to Catholic tradition. It is used without a strong religious meaning.

How do you pronounce Karla?

Karla is pronounced KAR-lah.

Is Karla a boy or girl name?

Karla is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.