Karola

Share
© Shutterstock

Fact sheet

Name
Karola
Gender
Girl name
Syllables
3

Karola is the German variant of the name Carola, which is considered the feminine form of Carolus. This name, in turn, is a Latinized form of Carl or Karl.

What does the name Karola mean?

The name Karola translates to "the free one," "the free woman," or also "the beloved." It has its roots in Old High German and is derived from the word karal or karlaz, which means "the man" or "the husband." There are numerous variants, such as Karolin, Karoline, Karolina, Karolien, and Karoliina. The name Carl, which became famous through Charlemagne, was known in this period as Carolus and spread worldwide. However, in the German-speaking world, the name only gained popularity in the 19th century.

Where does the name Karola come from?

Karola originates from Old High German and means "the free one." The origin of the word goes back to the terms karal or karlaz, which mean "the man" or "the husband." Alternatively, one can also refer to the Middle Low German term kerle, which means "free man," as well as to the Old High German words hari and heri, which mean "the army" or "the warrior." The languages in which the name appears include German, Latinized, Polish, and Hungarian.

How do you pronounce Karola?

The name Karola has a three-syllable and gentle sound. In German pronunciation, it is typically rendered as "Ka-ro-la" [kaˈʁoːla]. The long O in the middle gives the name tonal depth, while the open A sounds at the beginning and end create a warm note. Karola radiates a classic and feminine grace through these characteristics – melodic, clearly structured, and with a friendly, stable presence.

When is the name day of Karola?

Karola celebrates her name day on the following dates: January 6, January 28, November 4, and November 18.

Popularity

In Germany, Karola is considered a rather rare name. Currently, it ranks 5,884 on the list of the most popular female baby names. Its best placement was in 2012, when it ranked 1,090. Over the last ten years, Karola has been given as a first name about 50 times, which earned it the 3,540th place in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it holds the 2,420th place.

Nicknames & pet names

Kara / Kari / Karla / Karlie / Karo / Karol / Karolchen / Karoli / Karoliii / Lola / Loli / Oli / Rola / Roli / Rolli / Rollie / Rolly

Similar first names

Famous people

  • Karola Agai (opera singer from Hungary)
  • Karola Bloch (German architect)
  • Karola Fings (German historian)
  • Karola Kraus (art historian from Germany)
  • Karola Niederhuber (Austrian actress)
  • Karola Obermüller (German composer)
  • Karola Theill (German pianist)
  • Karola Zala (Hungarian actress)

Frequently asked questions about the name Karola

What does the name Karola mean?

The name Karola means 'the free one' or 'the beloved woman.' It has its roots in Old High German.

How is the name Karola pronounced?

Karola is pronounced approximately as 'ka-ro-la.' The emphasis is on the first syllable.

What nicknames are there for Karola?

There are many affectionate nicknames for Karola, such as Kara, Kari, Karla, or also Karo and Roli.

Is Karola a common name for girls?

Yes, Karola is a traditional girl's name and was particularly popular in the 19th century in the German-speaking world.

Cookie settings

We use cookies to run this website and to show personalised advertising via Google AdSense. Necessary cookies are required for the site to work. Marketing cookies allow us to show relevant ads. You can change your choice at any time. Learn more