Carl
Carl: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /kษหl/ ยท /kษษนl/
Meaning and origin of Carl
- A male given name from the Germanic languages, equivalent to English Charles.
Etymology
From Germanic, cognate with English Charles. * From German and other north European Carl and Karl. * From Latin Carolus.
How popular is Carl?
Since 1880, 3,190 girls and 504,827 boys in the U.S. have been named Carl (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #846 in 1888. Its highest rank for boys was #22 in 1894. In 2025, 187 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Carl
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Carl
Sister and brother names that share Carl's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Carl FAQ
What does the name Carl mean?
A male given name from the Germanic languages, equivalent to English Charles. From Germanic, cognate with English Charles. * From German and other north European Carl and Karl. * From Latin Carolus.
What is the origin of the name Carl?
Carl is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Carl?
Since 1880, 3,190 girls and 504,827 boys in the U.S. have been named Carl (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #846 in 1888. Its highest rank for boys was #22 in 1894. In 2025, 187 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Carl a boy or girl name?
Carl is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 3,190 girls and 504,827 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880โ2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.