Girl Name · Germanic Origin
Carla
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carla is a girl baby name of Germanic origin, meaning "Free man". It currently sits in the Top 500 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Carla often also consider Charla.
Names like Carla
Frequently asked about Carla
What does the name Carla mean?
Carla means "Free man" and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of Carla?
Carla originates in Germanic naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Carla?
Carla has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Carla a boy's or girl's name?
Carla is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Carla in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Carla sits in the Top 500 tier — familiar without being overly common.
What names are similar to Carla?
Names that share Carla's sound and style include Charla, Carly, Carrol, Creola, Carlie.