Boy Name · Germanic Origin
Karl
Last reviewed: June 2026
Karl is a boy baby name of Germanic origin, meaning "Free man". It currently sits in the Top 500 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Karl often also consider Karol.
Names like Karl
Frequently asked about Karl
What does the name Karl mean?
Karl means "Free man" and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of Karl?
Karl originates in Germanic naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Karl?
Karl has 4 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Karl a boy's or girl's name?
Karl is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Karl in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Karl sits in the Top 500 tier — familiar without being overly common.
What names are similar to Karl?
Names that share Karl's sound and style include Karol, Karla, Karly, Karli, Karyl.