Karla is a popular given name of Slavic origin, derived from the Czech word "křek", which means "strong" or "powerful". It has been used widely throughout Europe and beyond, particularly in countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States.
In various languages, Karla translates to:
- German: Carla
- Italian: Carla
- Spanish: Carla
- Swedish: Karolina
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the mid-twentieth century. It was also made popular by notable figures such as American singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff and Canadian actress KarlaHomolka.
Karla is often associated with the feminine form of the Latin name Carl, which is derived from the Germanic element "karal", meaning "strong" or "free man". However, unlike Carl, Karla does not have any specific historical figures or legendary characters attached to it. Its popularity can largely be attributed to its unique sound and its association with strength and power.
The name Karla has also been featured in popular culture. It was the title character's name in the 1984 film "Karla", based on a true story about an American woman who becomes involved in terrorism in Europe. Additionally, there is a song titled "Karla" by The xx from their album "I See You".
Overall, Karla is a strong and distinctive name with roots that stretch back to ancient Germanic culture. Its popularity throughout the world reflects its appealing sound and its association with positive qualities.
Karla was quite popular as a baby girl name from the late 1950s to the early 2000s, with notable peaks in the late 70s and mid-80s. However, its popularity seemed to wane after that, with fewer than 10 births per year occurring consistently since 2004.