Carl
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Free Man; Strong
Background: The name Carl originates from the Germanic name 'Karl,' which means 'free man.' It is also linked to the Scandinavian form of the name. The name further traces back to the Latin word 'carolus,' which implies strength and virility.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#64
Total births
507,825
Most popular decade
1950s
(237,198 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-420 ranks)
Years in Top 100
100
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.4% male
0.6% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 372
- First year rank
- #42
- Peak year
- 1956
- Peak year births
- 8,314
- Peak rank
- #48
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 215
- Recent rank
- #1,032
Female
- First year
- 1885
- First year births
- 5
- First year rank
- #1,047
- Peak year
- 1928
- Peak year births
- 61
- Peak rank
- #954
- Most recent year
- 1994
- Recent year births
- 6
- Recent rank
- #11,778
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).