Karla?

[CandCand]

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. 😅

Carla with a C preferable if you live in the UK, if you’re living in Germany K.

Karla is great and people will learn to spell it with a K.

Its in my opinion absolutely toss its preferable in the UK with a C . People learn how to spell childrens names even with bog standard names like Claire/Clare/Clair or Kathleen/Kathlynn/Katheryn /Katharine and Kathrine,

Keeping her German roots imo is also important and the K is a good nod to this.

I had that exact thought (incorrect spelling, trying to be different, lovely name but needs a C) when I saw the title of your thread. I understand the logic of a K, but she'll spend her whole life correcting people.

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

I have a Spanish colleague called Karla, so I’m assuming the spelling isn’t uncommon elsewhere in Europe.

Tis the name of my most wonderful girl guide leader colleague!

Is your surname german sounding? I think say Karla Schmidt would make much more sense than say Karla Smith.

Either spelling is fine. The people that shout about it being unacceptable to spell a name with a K are typically snobs. They think that K names are chavvy and too associated with the Kardashians (actual things that I have seen MN posters say).

I don't like it but that's probably the memories i have of a girl called Carla, I do however like Carly.

I actually prefer Karla. It is the original spelling of the name and comes from the Germanic male name Karl. Carl and Carla are variants that came later but are more common/popular in some countries.

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

My first thought too!

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

I like it, including the German spelling

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!

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.☹️

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.

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

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.

My first thought was Smiley as well

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.

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!

Lovely. Unique. Don’t overthink it.

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.