Karla
How to say it: KAHR-luh · /ˈkɑrlə/
Feminine form of Karl/Carlos, from Old High German meaning 'free man'. Common in Spanish-speaking and Scandinavian countries.
Karla was the 518th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 340 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1960s, its births are down about 40% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #574 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #518 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 340 |
| Share of births | 1 in 5,888 |
| Peak decade | 1960s |
| Change over 10 years | −40% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #574 |
| In France, 2025 | #361 among girls’ names, 10 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Karla crested in the 1960s after earlier favor. Now well below that high, it is expected to slip further.
What goes with it
Two parts with a soft flow and crisp edges, Karla sounds clear and firm. Erika and Marta match its mood.
Nicknames
- Karly
- Karl
Honouring a Karla in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Karla is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish.
In France: #361 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named Karla
- Karla Souza (born 1985)Mexican actress
- Karla Sofía Gascón (born 1972)Spanish actress
- Karla Avelar (born 1978)LGBTI Activist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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