Carle

Feminine diminutive of Carl
"free man"

Carle Origin and Meaning

The name Carle is a girl's name.

Carle is a feminine name that functions as a variant of Carla, which is the female form of Carl. These names ultimately derive from Germanic origins meaning "free man" or "strong one." While Carla gained popularity in the mid-20th century, Carle has remained a much rarer alternative. The name can also be connected to the Old French word "carle" meaning "peasant" or "countryman." In some cases, it may be used as a feminine form of the surname Carle, following the trend of adapting family names for first names. The spelling with an 'e' ending gives the name a subtle French quality while maintaining its familiar sound. Carle offers a distinctive twist on more common names like Carla, Carol, or Caroline.