Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Karla

      Origin

      German

      Meaning

      Free Man

      Variations

      Karlaye, Carla, Darla
      The name Karla has its origins in German and is derived from the word karl which means free man. This name is steeped in history and has been used for centuries. In early Germanic societies, the name Karla held great significance as it represented an individual who possessed personal freedom and independence, qualities highly valued in those times. It denoted a person who was not beholden to any master or ruler, and who held the power to make their own decisions and choices.

      Throughout history, the name Karla has appeared in various forms and has been borne by several notable individuals. It gained prominence during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when it was used by German nobility to denote their social standing and independence. In modern times, the name Karla continues to be popular, mirroring the ongoing relevance of its meaning. Many individuals today choose this name for their children, perhaps drawn to the idea of bestowing the name's historical significance and embodying the qualities of a free, self-determined person. Its continued usage showcases the enduring appeal of names rooted in heritage and the desire to convey a sense of individuality and freedom through nomenclature.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Karla.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name of those married to a Karla.
      Karl

      Karl

      This is the most common name for a child of a Karla.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1962 is when there were the most people born with the first name Karla.

      Explore the origins of another name.