Karla

Karla is the feminine form of Karl, a Germanic name derived from the Old High German element karl, meaning "free man" or "man of the people." It shares its ultimate root with Charles and its Scandinavian cognate Carl, all tracing back to a Proto-Germanic base related to concepts of free status and strength. The name gained widespread use across German-speaking and Scandinavian countries, carried in part by the enduring cultural weight of the Frankish king Charlemagne, whose Latinized name Carolus spread Karl and its derivatives throughout Europe. Related feminine forms include Carla, Carolina, and Caroline.