Is Karl a boy or girl name?

Karl is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.

Karl scores 44/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2017.

What are good nicknames for Karl?

Popular nicknames for Karl: Kalle, Karli, Karly, Kari.

What names are similar to Karl?

Names similar to Karl: Charles, Carl, Carlos, Kurt — close in sound, origin, or style.

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Karl

The name Karl is derived from the Old High German 'karal' or 'kerl', meaning 'free man'. It has strong associations with nobility, most notably used by Charlemagne, whose name in Latin, 'Carolus Magnus', translates to 'Charles the Great'. Over time, Karl became a prevalent name among European monarchs and nobility, reflecting its enduring prestige.

IPA: /kaʁl/ · Simplified: karl

Male

German

Germanic

Central Europe

noble

strong

classic

authoritative

44/100

Popularity

Stable

10-Year Trend

Countries

2017

Peak Year

Meaning of Karl

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

Does Karl flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

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How to pronounce Karl

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /kaʁl/ · Simplified: karl

Nicknames for Karl

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Kalle

Karli

Karly

Kari

Karl name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

Germany

Sweden

Norway

Austria

Finland

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Carl

Karel

Kalle

Carlos

Carolus

Names like Karl

Names with a similar feel you might also like.

Charles

Carl

Carlos

Kurt

Collections featuring Karl

Curated name lists where this name appears

Germanic names Names that mean Strength

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

Individuals named Karl are often seen as leaders and thinkers. They are perceived as strong and dependable, often admired for their clarity of thought and decisive nature. A name with historical gravitas, Karl reflects both tradition and an enduring sense of authority.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

January 28

Famous people named Karl

Well-known figures who share this name.

Karl Marx

German philosopher and socialist revolutionary (1818-1883)

Karl Lagerfeld

Influential German fashion designer (1933-2019)

Karl Benz

Automobile engineer who invented the first practical motorcar (1844-1929)

Frequently asked questions about Karl

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does Karl mean?: Here is the meaning behind Karl: The name Karl is derived from the Old High German 'karal' or 'kerl', meaning 'free man'. It has strong associations with nobility, most notably used by Charlemagne, whose name in Latin, 'Carolus Magnus', translates to 'Charles the Great'. Over time, Karl became a prevalent name among European monarchs and nobility, reflecting its enduring prestige.
Is Karl a boy or girl name?: Karl is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is Karl?: Karl scores 44/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2017.
What are good nicknames for Karl?: Popular nicknames for Karl: Kalle, Karli, Karly, Kari.
What names are similar to Karl?: Names similar to Karl: Charles, Carl, Carlos, Kurt — close in sound, origin, or style.

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