The given name Karleigh is a modern English variant of the Germanic name Karlene, which itself is derived from the Old Germanic word "karl" meaning "man" or "freeman." The name traces its origins back to the early medieval period, around the 5th to 6th centuries AD, when Germanic tribes dominated large parts of Europe.

Karleigh is closely related to the more common name Charles, which also stems from the same Germanic root word "karl." The name Charles gained widespread popularity across Europe due to the fame of Charlemagne, the ruler of the Frankish Empire in the 8th and 9th centuries AD. Charlemagne, whose name literally means "Charles the Great," was a significant historical figure who united much of Western and Central Europe under his rule.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with a name similar to Karleigh was Karloman, the younger brother of Charlemagne, who lived from 751 to 771 AD. Karloman was a Frankish prince and the son of Pepin the Short, the first Carolingian King of the Franks.

Another notable historical figure with a name related to Karleigh was Karlmann, the Duke of Bavaria, who ruled from 628 to 640 AD. He was a member of the Agilolfing dynasty and played a crucial role in the consolidation of Bavarian territories during the early medieval period.

In the 12th century, there was a prominent noble named Karlmann von Jülich, who lived from 1184 to 1218. He was a count of the County of Jülich, located in present-day Germany, and was known for his military exploits during the German campaigns of the Holy Roman Empire.

During the 16th century, the name Karleigh had a variant spelling, Carlyle, which was used by several notable individuals. One such person was Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish philosopher and essayist, who lived from 1795 to 1881. He was a influential figure in the Victorian era and is best known for his works such as "Sartor Resartus" and "The French Revolution."

Another individual with the name Carlyle was Jane Welsh Carlyle, the wife of Thomas Carlyle, who lived from 1801 to 1866. She was a prominent figure in her own right, known for her witty and insightful letters, which provided valuable insights into the literary and social circles of 19th-century Britain.