Karl
BoyGerman/Scandinavian
Karl is a boy name of German/Scandinavian origin meaning "Free man".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
German/Scandinavian
Religion
Christian
Popularity
14 / 100
Syllables
1
Length
4 letters
Meaning
Free man
Etymology
Derived from Old High German 'karal', meaning 'free man', or from Old Norse 'karl', also meaning 'free man' or 'peasant'.
Famous People Named Karl
- Karl Marx — German-born philosopher (1818-1883)
- Karl Moritz Schumann — German botanist (1851–1904)
- Karl Hermann Zahn — German botanist (1865-1940)
Frequently Asked Questions About Karl
What does the name Karl mean?
Karl means "Free man", and is of German/Scandinavian origin.
What is the origin of the name Karl?
Karl originates from German/Scandinavian, commonly used in Europe.
Is Karl a boy or girl name?
Karl is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Karl associated with?
Karl is associated with Christian.
Are there famous people named Karl?
Yes — notable people named Karl include Karl Marx (German-born philosopher, 1818-1883), Karl Moritz Schumann (German botanist, 1851–1904) and Karl Hermann Zahn (German botanist, 1865-1940).
Last updated: June 2026