The given name Carly is an English feminine name that derived from the masculine name Carl, which has its origins in the Old Norse language. Carl is a contracted form of the Germanic name Karl, which means "free man" or "husband." The name Karl is believed to have been introduced to England by the Normans, following their conquest in 1066.

The earliest recorded use of the name Carly as a feminine form can be traced back to the late 19th century. It gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The name Carly is often considered a diminutive or pet form of the names Carla or Caroline.

In terms of historical references, the name Carly does not appear to have any significant mentions in ancient texts, religious scriptures, or historical records. However, there have been several notable individuals who have borne this name throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded examples of a person named Carly was Carly Fiorina, an American businesswoman and political figure born in 1954. She served as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard from 1999 to 2005 and ran for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in 2016.

Another prominent figure with the name Carly was Carly Simon, an American singer-songwriter born in 1945. She is known for hits such as "You're So Vain," "Anticipation," and "Nobody Does It Better," which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

In the field of literature, Carly Churchill was a British novelist and writer born in 1938. She is best known for her critically acclaimed novel "Hubert's Freaks," which explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

Carly Rae Jepsen, a Canadian singer-songwriter born in 1985, rose to fame with her hit single "Call Me Maybe," which became an international sensation and earned her multiple awards and nominations.

Lastly, Carly Rae Fiorina, an American lawyer and politician born in 1954, is another notable figure who shares the same name. She served as the Chairwoman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard from 1999 to 2005 and ran for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in 2016.