Meaning & Origin
A male given name from the Germanic languages, equivalent to English Charles.
Karl is a boy's and girl's baby name of Germanic origin, the German and Scandinavian form of Charles, from the Old High German Karl meaning 'free man' or 'man.' It has been borne by kings, emperors, and philosophers throughout European history.
Karl Marx — whose political philosophy reshaped the modern world — is the name's most globally recognized bearer. Karl Lagerfeld brought it into the world of high fashion. The name has a crisp, continental edge that distinguishes it from the more common American Charles or Carl, appealing to parents who want something both familiar and distinctly European.