Karl - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's name Karl \k(a)-rl\ is pronounced karl. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "free man". German form of Charles. Fashion designers Karl Lagerfield, Karl Kani; economist Karl Marx; basketball player Karl Malone.

Karl has 15 variant forms: Carl, Kale, Karel, Karlan, Karle, Karlens, Karli, Karlin, Karlo, Karlos, Karlton, Karrel, Karol, Karoly and Karson.

Baby names that sound like Karl are Carel, Carly, Carlo, Caryl, Kyril and Kiril.

Karl is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Karl. Click here to compare Karl with related baby names.