Carly

Carly is an English feminine name that developed as a diminutive of Carla, itself the feminine form of Carlo, the Italian and Spanish equivalent of Charles. Charles derives from the Germanic name Karl, rooted in an Old High German word meaning man or free man. The name gained widespread popularity in English-speaking countries during the latter twentieth century, notably associated with American singer-songwriter Carly Simon. Related forms include Carla, Karla, Carley, and Karlie.