Karel

Meaning of Karel

Karel, a unisex name of Czech origin pronounced KAH-rel (/kaˈrɛl/), derives from the Germanic root Karl, meaning “free man.” It has strong Central European associations through figures like playwright Karel Čapek, who introduced the word “robot,” and celebrated singer Karel Gott, adding cultural depth to its straightforward form. In the United States, Karel has maintained a modest but steady presence in birth statistics—most often ranking between the mid-700s and mid-900s—peaking at 859th in 2005 and most recently placing 916th in 2024 with eight newborns. This analytical perspective highlights a name that bridges historical resonance and modern unisex usage without succumbing to mainstream trends.