Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Unflip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Unflip

1 2

Original poster

Karla?

36 replies

CandCand · 26/04/2026 13:37

What are your thoughts on Karla? It's our favourite at the moment. I know that some will prefer Carla, but my DH is German, so we would spell it with a K (as that's the traditional spelling to him). I'm aware that there will still be people who will incorrectly assume that we were trying to be "unique" when they see the spelling. 😅

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Onefortheroad25 · 27/04/2026 10:51

I like it! Either spelling.

NamingNoNames · 27/04/2026 10:34

NormasArse · 27/04/2026 09:51

I know a Karla in her 50s- she has never had her name mixed up with Klara.

She is an enormous pita though, so she would put me off the name.

Show quote history

Clara wasn't popular 50 years ago.

DizziLizzy · 27/04/2026 09:52

Lovely name and keep the K spelling as a nod to her German heritage.

NormasArse · 27/04/2026 09:51

NamingNoNames · 26/04/2026 14:35

I used to work with a Carl and a Karl. They had similar surnames (something like Baker and Barker). It wasn't a problem.
The different spellings seemed to be different names.

Karla will get mixed up with Klara.

I know a Karla in her 50s- she has never had her name mixed up with Klara.

She is an enormous pita though, so she would put me off the name.

NorthFacingGardener · 27/04/2026 09:49

I think it’s a lovely name… I was hoping when clicking on this that the K spelling was due to European heritage.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 27/04/2026 09:46

Although I instantly thought of Smiley, actually there’s nothing wrong with the name at all - either spelling. It’s pleasant sounding, obviously works culturally for you, and… well, I can’t think of anything negative to say about it. Except she won’t be able to get an off-the-shelf tacky personalised mug or pencil.

AntiqueBabyLoanSmurf · 27/04/2026 09:45

People don't think anything of there being two standard variations of Carl/Karl, so why should it make a difference for Carl/Karla? Especially with her German heritage.

I've never seen Clara spelled with a K, though, personally - I automatically read it as Klarna!

ArtAngel · 27/04/2026 09:41

I worked with an adult Karla and no eyelids were batted.

Seeing it in isolation I did think Le Carré but that’s not going to be an issue.

It’s the German version, not yooooneek. Go for it!

user2848502016 · 27/04/2026 09:37

I think it’s a nice name, I would usually assume it’s spelt with a C but I think it’s nice to spell with a K because of your DH being German

user1492757084 · 27/04/2026 09:35

I love the name Carla and Karla is fine due to your heritage.

PygmyOwl · 27/04/2026 09:33

Karla is lovely. I like Karly as a nickname too.

whatcanthematterbe81 · 27/04/2026 09:31

Always makes me laugh when people say names are spelt wrong. It’s spelled exactly as it should be, given that’s the actual name. It’s really not difficult to spell your name out for people the first time they write it and is hardly the most complicated name

stickygotstuck · 27/04/2026 08:41

Calliopespa · 27/04/2026 06:54

It's just a reshuffle of letters, but for some reason I find Clara/Klara infinitely nicer than Carla/Karla.

Except they are totally different names.

OP, I think Karla makes a lot of sense in your situation. It doesn't matter where you live now. Things change and your DD may decide to live in Germany at some point. And if she doesn't, it's not exactly hard to spell or pronounce anyway.

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 27/04/2026 08:37

Lovely. Unique. Don’t overthink it.

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 27/04/2026 08:36

Lovely name and the K spelling is entirely appropriate for her German heritage. I wouldn't pay much attention to people who think you're trying to be 'unique' with the spelling. On more than one occasion I've seen posts on here from people who've been very scathing about the 'unique' spellings of such names as Krzysztof and Zuzanna . You can't account for other people's ignorance!

TappyGilmore · 27/04/2026 07:04

I know four of them, two with a C and two with a K. The two with Cs are both in their 50s whereas the two with Ks are younger. I prefer it with a K.

bloomonthisday · 27/04/2026 06:59

HelenaWilson · 26/04/2026 14:34

It makes me think of Le Carre but this will mean very little to her peers.

My first thought too!

My first thought was Smiley as well

paintedpanda · 27/04/2026 06:56

I know more Karla’s than Carla’s and I’ve never thought twice about the spelling. I can’t believe so many people have.

Calliopespa · 27/04/2026 06:54

It's just a reshuffle of letters, but for some reason I find Clara/Klara infinitely nicer than Carla/Karla.

ginasevern · 26/04/2026 15:08

It's short, sweet, pretty and has cultural and familial meaning to you, so go for it. I've never heard of the serial killer mentioned above and I'm sure it won't be particularly meaningful during this child's life.

JadeSeahorse · 26/04/2026 15:00

puppyparent · 26/04/2026 14:37

I come from a country where that name is associated with a horrible rapist and serial killer so it’s a no from me

Karla Homolka by any chance? (You must be Canadian puppyparent)

I thought exactly the same. Vile piece of work. 🤬 (Can't believe she has been free for years.)

Sorry OP but that is exactly who I think of immediately when I see the "K" spelling of this name.☹️

Kingdomli · 26/04/2026 14:53

Due to Karla Faye Tucker (American murderer who was on death row) and Karla Homolka (Canadian serial killer and rapist), I could never like this name (especially with that spelling). It's a pretty name, but the associations that I have with it are terrible. Sorry!

FrenchBunionSoup · 26/04/2026 14:39

I like it, including the German spelling