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

Popularity of Karly by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 69 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Karly.

The history of the first name Karly

The given name Karly is a modern diminutive form of the Germanic name Karl, which is derived from the Old Norse word "karl" meaning "man" or "husband." The name Karl has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "kalaz," which means "free man." The name gained popularity across Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly after the rise of Charlemagne, the Frankish king and emperor, who ruled from 768 to 814 AD.

The first recorded use of the name Karly dates back to the late 19th century, although it remained relatively uncommon until the 20th century. One of the earliest known individuals named Karly was Karly Bergmann, a German artist born in 1892 who was known for her paintings and woodcuts depicting rural life in Germany.

Another notable Karly in history was Karly Krämer, a German politician and member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, who served as a member of the Bundestag (German parliament) from 1961 to 1976. She was born in 1917 and played a significant role in advocating for women's rights and social reforms in post-war Germany.

In the realm of literature, Karly Michaelis was a German author and poet born in 1923. She is best known for her collections of poetry and short stories that explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Her works, including "Gedichte für die Jahre" (Poems for the Years) and "Auf der Suche nach dem verlorenen Paradies" (In Search of the Lost Paradise), were widely acclaimed and translated into multiple languages.

The name Karly has also been associated with athletes. Karly Trachta was a German rower who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where she won a bronze medal in the women's quadruple sculls event. She was born in 1951 and represented West Germany during her athletic career.

In more recent times, Karly Loyce was a Swedish singer and songwriter born in 1987. She gained popularity in the early 2000s with her debut album "Lotsastuff" and her hit single "Stupid Boy." Her music blended pop, rock, and alternative influences, and she was known for her energetic live performances.

These are just a few examples of individuals named Karly who have left their mark in various fields throughout history. While the name may have evolved from its Germanic roots, it has transcended cultural boundaries and continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a unique and modern variation of the classic name Karl.

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 Karly was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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