Karl
Meaning of Karl
The name Karl, a strong and timeless choice for boys, has its roots in Germanic origins. Pronounced as KAHRL (/kaːɐ̯l/ or /kɑrl/), it carries the meaning "free man," reflecting a sense of independence and strength. The name Karl is closely related to its more common variation, Carl. Over the years, Karl has maintained a steady presence in the United States, peaking in popularity during the mid-20th century. Though its ranking has fluctuated over time, it remains a classic choice for parents seeking a name with historical significance and enduring appeal. Notable bearers of the name include influential figures like Karl Marx, the philosopher and economist, and Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic fashion designer, adding layers of intellectual and creative associations to this distinguished name.
Pronunciation
German
- Pronunced as KAHRL (/kaːɐ̯l/)
English
- Pronunced as KAHRL (/kɑrl/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Karl
| Karl Marx was a German philosopher, economist, and revolutionary socialist known for his influential works such as The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, which laid the foundation for Marxism. |
| Sir Karl Raimund Popper was an influential Austrian-British philosopher known for his rejection of classical inductivist views on the scientific method in favor of empirical falsification and critical rationalism. |
| Karl Otto Lagerfeld was a renowned German fashion designer. |
| Karl Liebknecht was a German socialist and anti-militarist who was a prominent member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany and served as a deputy in the Reichstag. |
| Karl Anthony Malone, known as "the Mailman," is a former NBA player and one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, with numerous accolades and impressive career statistics. |
| Karl Barth was a Swiss Reformed theologian known for his influential commentary on The Epistle to the Romans and his involvement in the Confessing Church, including the authorship of the Barmen Declaration. |
| Karl Samuel Oyston is an English businessman and former chairman of Blackpool Football Club, who took over the position from his mother in 1999, with the Oystons' wealth listed at £100 million. |
| Karl Malden was an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in stage, movies, and television, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in A Streetcar Named Desire. |
| Karl von Habsburg is an Austrian politician and the head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, with a claim to the defunct Austro-Hungarian thrones, and his legal name as a citizen of the Republic of Austria is Karl Habsburg-Lothringen. |
| Karl Schwarzschild was a German physicist and astronomer. |
| Karl Jenkins - Sir Karl William Pamp Jenkins, HonFLSW is a Welsh multi-instrumentalist and composer known for works such as "Adiemus", the Adiemus album series, Palladio, The Armed Man, Requiem, and Stabat Mater (2008). |
| Karl Ove Knausgård is a renowned Norwegian author famous for his autobiographical series "My Struggle," which has earned him international acclaim as a literary sensation of the 21st century. |
| Karl Lueger was an influential Austrian politician and Mayor of Vienna known for modernizing the city, but his controversial populist and antisemitic politics have sparked debate. |
| Karl Urban - Karl-Heinz Urban is a New Zealand actor known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Star Trek reboot, and The Boys. |
| Karl Heinrich Ulrichs was a German lawyer, jurist, journalist, and writer known as a pioneer of sexology and the modern gay rights movement. |
