US Popularity Rank: 11480

Origin: German

Meaning: Free man; Army, army leader, commander, warrior

Baby will definitely be a free spirit with a name like Karlena. Typically given to girls, Karlena is a variant of Caroline, which traces back to the German noun karlaz, translating to “free man.” It also derives from the West Frankish name Háriolus, an affectionate moniker for those with names beginning with harjaz or charja, meaning “army,” “army leader,” “commander,” and “warrior.” It was then influenced by the Romans, who replaced the Germanic ‘H’ with ‘C’ or ‘K.’ With a name like Karlena, baby will be independent and brave, fighting all of life’s battles with the courage their namesake has instilled in them.