Find out how popular the first name Karla has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Karla by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Karla is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Karla being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 395 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Karla.

The history of the first name Karla

The name Karla has its origins in the Germanic languages, derived from the Old Norse word "karl," which means "man" or "free man." It is a feminine form of the masculine name "Karl" or "Charles," which was commonly used throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

In the 9th century, the name Karla appeared in various Germanic texts and records, often referring to women of noble or royal descent. One of the earliest recorded examples is Karla, the daughter of the Frankish king Louis the German, who lived in the 9th century.

During the Middle Ages, the name Karla gained popularity across Europe, particularly in regions with Germanic influence, such as Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. It was also adopted in Slavic countries like Poland and the Czech Republic, where it was spelled as "Karla" or "Karola."

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Karla. One of the most famous was Karla of Anjou (1265-1323), Queen of Naples and Countess of Provence, who played a significant role in the political struggles of her time. Another remarkable figure was Karla Pavlova (1807-1893), a Russian ballerina celebrated for her technical mastery and expressive performances.

In the 20th century, the name Karla gained wider recognition with individuals like Karla Faye Tucker (1959-1998), an American convicted murderer whose execution sparked debates about capital punishment, and Karla Homolka (born 1970), a Canadian serial killer known for her involvement in the "Kenmore" murders.

It is worth mentioning that the name Karla has also been used in literature and popular culture. For instance, Karla Aragon is a character in the novel "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera, while Karla Faye Gholson was a recurring character in the television series "Sex and the City."

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Karla was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Karla, please contact us.

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