Karel
“A feminine form of the name Karel, meaning 'man' or 'free man'.”
Czech Republic origin · Unisex name
#516US 2023
1.7kBirths / yr
→Stable
1.8kAll-time births
📅 Since 193200.01% of births at peak
How to pronounce Karel
KER·ul
/ˈkɛr.əl/ · stress on KER · 2 syllables
“A feminine form of the name Karel, meaning 'man' or 'free man'.”
Czech Republic origin · Unisex name
What does Karel mean and where does it come from?
Karel is commonly used as a masculine name in various cultures but may also be found as a feminine name, especially in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. It is derived from the Germanic name Karl, which means 'man' or 'free man.' The first recorded use of Karel dates back centuries, but it rema
Cultural significance
Karel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Czech Republic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a feminine form of the name karel, meaning 'man' or 'free man'..
Peak popularity
Reached #846 in 1939 — currently #516 in the US.
How else can you spell Karel?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Karel?
Karel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karel Claire
French influence · crisp
Karel Jane
Literary · strong
Karel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karel right now?
Holding steady — currently #516 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Karel
Karel entered American naming records in 1932 and has been in use for over 92 years. With 1,751 total births recorded, Karel remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4034 in 1935 to #516 in 2023. Karel is used for both genders: 69% female and 31% male.
Names that peaked alongside Karel in 1939:
Karel by decade
Karel peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 14 | |
| 1920s | 9 | |
| 1930s | 176 | |
| 1940s ★ | 400 | |
| 1950s | 382 | |
| 1960s | 232 | |
| 1970s | 94 | |
| 1980s | 120 | |
| 1990s | 123 | |
| 2000s | 129 | |
| 2010s | 67 | |
| 2020s | 5 |
With 1,751 total births, Karel is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Karel?
ENGLISH
CharleyCharlieChasChazChipChuck
FINNISH
Kalle
FRENCH
Charlot
HUNGARIAN
Karcsi
What names sound and feel like Karel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karel also consider these
How is Karel written in other languages?
Gender variants of Karel
Charlize AFRIKAANSCarolina ANCIENT GERMANICCarla CATALANKarla CROATIANKarolina CROATIANLina CROATIANKája CZECHKarolína CZECHCaroline DANISHCharlotte DANISHIna DANISHKarla DANISHKarolina DANISHKaroline DANISHLina DANISHLine DANISHLotte DANISHCarla DUTCHCarola DUTCHCarolien DUTCHCaroline DUTCHCharlotte DUTCHLien DUTCHLotte DUTCHCalleigh ENGLISHCallie ENGLISHCari ENGLISHCarla ENGLISHCarlene ENGLISHCarley ENGLISHCarlie ENGLISHCarly ENGLISHCarlyn ENGLISHCarol ENGLISHCarolina ENGLISHCaroline ENGLISHCarolyn ENGLISHCarrie ENGLISHCarry ENGLISHCaryl ENGLISHCharla ENGLISHCharleen ENGLISHCharlene ENGLISHCharlotte ENGLISHIna ENGLISHKallie ENGLISHKarlee ENGLISHKarlene ENGLISHKarly ENGLISHKarolyn ENGLISHKarrie ENGLISHLina ENGLISHLottie ENGLISHSharla ENGLISHSharleen ENGLISHSharlene ENGLISHTottie ENGLISHTotty ENGLISHIina FINNISHKaroliina FINNISHLiina FINNISHLotta FINNISHCarole FRENCHCaroline FRENCHCharline FRENCHCharlotte FRENCHLine FRENCHCarla GERMANCarola GERMANCarolin GERMANCaroline GERMANCharlotte GERMANIna GERMANKarla GERMANKarola GERMANKarolina GERMANKaroline GERMANLotte GERMANKarola HUNGARIANKarolina HUNGARIANLili HUNGARIANSéarlait IRISHCarla ITALIANCarlotta ITALIANCarola ITALIANCarolina ITALIANLina ITALIANKarolina LITHUANIANLina LITHUANIANKarolina MACEDONIANCaroline NORWEGIANCharlotte NORWEGIANIna NORWEGIANKarla NORWEGIANKarolina NORWEGIANKaroline NORWEGIANLina NORWEGIANLine NORWEGIANLotte NORWEGIANKarolina POLISHCarla PORTUGUESECarlota PORTUGUESECarolina PORTUGUESEKarolina SLOVENECarla SPANISHCarlota SPANISHCarolina SPANISHCarola SWEDISHCarolina SWEDISHCaroline SWEDISHCharlotta SWEDISHCharlotte SWEDISHIna SWEDISHKarla SWEDISHKarolina SWEDISHLina SWEDISHLotta SWEDISHLotte SWEDISHLottie SWEDISHCharlemagne HISTORY
Common questions about the name Karel
What does the name Karel mean?
Karel means "A feminine form of the name Karel, meaning 'man' or 'free man'." — a name rooted in Czech Republic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Karel?
Karel is currently ranked #516 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Karel?
Karel originates from Czech Republic tradition. Czech Republic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Karel?
Karel is a two-syllable name pronounced K EH1 R AH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Karel more of a girl or boy name?
Karel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
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