Karola

Karola is a feminine given name of European origin. It is a variant of Karoline (and related forms such as Caroline and Karolina) and ultimately derives from Karl, a Germanic name traditionally interpreted as meaning “free man” or simply “man.” The spelling Karola is used in several languages, notably in German-speaking areas, and it also appears in some Slavic-language communities as a standalone given name.

In usage, Karola is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe, where traditional names with Germanic roots have historical presence. It is less common in contemporary English-speaking contexts, where related names such as Karla, Caroline, or Carolina are more prevalent. The form has several closely related variants across languages, including Karolina, Karoline, Carolina, and Caroline, reflecting shared roots in Karl.

As a given name, Karola is generally considered classical and traditional. It may be chosen for familial or cultural reasons, or for its timeless, European character. The name fits within a broader family of names derived from Karl and related to Caroline, reflecting cross-cultural naming patterns across Germanic and Slavic-speaking regions.