Meaning & Origin
A male given name from the Germanic languages, equivalent to English Charles.
Carl is a boy's and girl's baby name of Germanic origin, the German and Scandinavian form of Charles, from the Old Germanic Karl, meaning "free man" or "strong man." It is one of the oldest Germanic names, connected to the legacy of Charlemagne — Carolus Magnus — emperor of the Franks.
Carl was a consistent U.S. top 30 name through much of the 20th century. Astronomer Carl Sagan gave it an intellectual cosmic glow that has never faded, while track legend Carl Lewis became one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time. Compact, unpretentious, and quietly powerful.