Karl
“Karl is a traditional masculine name of Germanic origin” — Associated with several notable figures
Germanic origin · Unisex name
#1238US 2023
962Births / yr
→Stable
101.2kAll-time births
📅 Since 191500
How to pronounce Karl
karl(german),kahl(swedish,danish),kahrl(english,finnish)
/karl(german),kahl(swedish,danish),kahrl(english,finnish)/ · · 1 syllable
“Karl is a traditional masculine name of Germanic origin”
Associated with several notable figures · Germanic origin
What does Karl mean and where does it come from?
Karl is a traditional masculine name of Germanic origin. In Scandinavian countries, it has been used both as a masculine name and as a feminine variation by adopting it into female forms like Karla. The name has historical significance and can be associated with several notable figures, including Ka
Cultural significance
Karl has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.
Peak popularity
Reached #2064 in 1969 — currently #1238 in the US.
What middle names flow best with Karl?
Karl works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karl Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karl Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karl Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karl Claire
French influence · crisp
Karl Jane
Literary · strong
Karl Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karl right now?
Holding steady — currently #1238 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Karl
Karl entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. More than 101,183 babies have been named Karl since 1915. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3811 in 1915 to #1238 in 2023. Karl is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Karl in 1969:
Karl by decade
Karl peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 419 | |
| 1890s | 589 | |
| 1900s | 792 | |
| 1910s | 4,715 | |
| 1920s | 5,835 | |
| 1930s | 7,753 | |
| 1940s | 9,739 | |
| 1950s | 18,794 | |
| 1960s ★ | 21,412 | |
| 1970s | 10,874 | |
| 1980s | 9,622 | |
| 1990s | 6,127 | |
| 2000s | 2,797 | |
| 2010s | 1,613 | |
| 2020s | 102 |
What are good nicknames for Karl?
ENGLISH
CharleyCharlieChasChazChipChuck
FINNISH
Kalle
FRENCH
Charlot
HUNGARIAN
Karcsi
Famous people named Karl
K(
Karl (Germanic saint)
Karl spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
K(
Karl (medieval German ruler)
Karl bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
K(
Karl (Norse explorer)
Karl carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
K(
Karl (German philosopher)
Karl used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
What names sound and feel like Karl?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karl also consider these
How is Karl written in other languages?
Gender variants of Karl
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 Karl
What does the name Karl mean?
Karl means "German" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Karl?
Karl is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Karl?
Karl originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Karl sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Karl flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Karl ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Karl a common or rare name?
Karl is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
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