Karl
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Free Man; Strong; Brave
Background: The name Karl originates from the Germanic name 'Karl,' which means 'free man.' It is derived from the Old High German 'karal' and the Latin 'Carolus.' In Scandinavian contexts, Karl is also associated with meanings of strength and bravery.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#309
Total births
101,648
Most popular decade
1960s
(64,224 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-533 ranks)
Years in Top 100
0
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.1% male
0.9% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 21
- First year rank
- #373
- Peak year
- 1960
- Peak year births
- 2,594
- Peak rank
- #135
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 99
- Recent rank
- #1,680
Female
- First year
- 1915
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #3,795
- Peak year
- 1969
- Peak year births
- 37
- Peak rank
- #2,058
- Most recent year
- 1993
- Recent year births
- 9
- Recent rank
- #8,720
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).