Carlota

In Portugal, this is NOT used as pet form, but rather is an independent feminine form of Carlos - the Portuguese form of Charlotte. The other traditional cognate is Carolina, which comes from Latin. Both names have been in use since the at least the 18th century.

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Carla is a modern variation which became common by Brazilian influence in the 1970's. Nowadays it is rather dated and even 'low-class', while Carolina and Carlota are more fashionable and timeless. [noted -ed]

I think it is the other way around. Carla is a pet name for Carlota.

I don't think so. In Spanish-speaking countries, the suffixes -ota or -ita (and of course the masculine equivalents) often indicate a pet form - as far as I know. Think of Anita, pet form of Ana, or Carlito, pet form of Carlos. And so on. I guess behindthename.com is right. ;)

Also means "manly". Still a beautiful name though.

This name is also the Spanish form of Charlotte.