Carla

Carla is a feminine form in the Carl, Carlo, and Carlos family, all connected with Charles. The older Germanic root referred to a man or free person. That history explains the name more accurately than treating Carla as a separate word in each of the languages where it is used.

Carla has two syllables and a firm opening consonant, while Karla offers a closely related spelling. Carlie is a possible short form, although the full name is already compact. Clara may look similar but belongs to a different root associated with clarity and brightness. Families honoring a Carl or Carlos can therefore choose Carla for a specific connection rather than simply its resemblance to another familiar name.