Fun Facts About the Name Karliah
- 212 babies named Karliah: U.S. records list 212 babies given the name Karliah from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Karliah Mean?
Karliah is a rare feminine name generally explained as an elaboration of Karla, the feminine form of Karl. Karl comes from a Germanic word, seen in Old High German karal and Old Norse karl, meaning "man" or "free man"; the same root reached English through the French form Charles. On that reading, Karliah carries the sense "free woman."
The ending -iah is Hebrew in origin, a shortening of the divine name found in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Nehemiah, but it does not appear to add a Hebrew meaning to the Germanic root here. It most likely echoes the sound of biblical names. Because the name is uncommon and its earliest uses are not well documented, this should be treated as the most plausible explanation rather than a settled derivation.
Karliah Name History & Origins
Karliah belongs with a small set of feminine names built on the Germanic root karl - Carla, Karla, Karly, and Karlie among them - which entered English mainly through Charles and its feminine forms. The -iah spelling gives the name a biblical look, like Mariah or Isaiah, even though the name's structure is Germanic rather than Hebrew.
Documented history for the name is thin. Its best-known modern use is for Karliah, a member of the Thieves Guild in the video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011). That is a familiar literary use, not evidence of where the name came from or when it first appeared.
How Popular is the Name Karliah?
Karliah has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2019. Its best rank was #5,367 in 2019.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #8,610 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2024 | #11,581 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2023 | #11,682 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2022 | #12,873 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2021 | #6,056 | 20 | 0.0012% |
| 2020 | #10,675 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 2019 | #5,367 | 24 | 0.0014% |
| 2018 | #6,655 | 18 | 0.0011% |
| 2017 | #6,408 | 19 | 0.0011% |
| 2016 | #7,058 | 17 | 0.0010% |
| 2015 | #6,343 | 20 | 0.0011% |
| 2014 | #9,845 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2013 | #7,570 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 2012 | #5,792 | 23 | 0.0013% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Karliah Shapes Your Personality and Life?
EXTREMES in fortune, health and spirituality. You are very versatile, idealistic and intuitive. You either enjoy great success or suffer abject misery. The solution is service to others. Use your leadership abilities for humanity and not for self-glorification. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.
You find the best contentment in life when you own your own home and provide well for your family and loved ones. You have a great sense of responsibility and duty. You are comforting, appreciative and affectionate. Your obligation in life is to hold justice and truth, and if you follow the Law, you can find the great happiness and satisfaction.
✦ Karliah's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Karliah's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.