Carl Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Carl originates from the Germanic word for 'man' or 'freeman'. It has evolved through various forms, including Karl and Charles, and has been historically used since the Middle Ages, particularly due to the influence of Charlemagne. It carries connotations of strength and reliability, with notable bearers contributing to its positive image.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Carl"
Pronunciation
/kɑːrl/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Carl is derived from the Germanic word 'karal', meaning 'man' or 'freeman'. It has been used in various forms throughout history.
Meaning
man, freeman
Language Evolution
Karl (Old High German), Carlus (Latin), Charles (French), Karol (Slavic)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly due to the influence of Charlemagne (Charles the Great), who was a significant historical figure.
Variants & Derivatives
Charles, Karol, Carlo, Carlos
Modern Popularity & Image
Carl is perceived as a classic and strong name, often associated with intelligence and reliability. Its popularity has varied over the years but remains a well-recognized name.
Famous People
Carl Jung, Carl Sagan, Carl Friedrich Gauss
📊 Carl Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Carl Name Visualizations
✨ Carl Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,346 peak births in 1956
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Carl" - Complete Guide (5 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Carl". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 5 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Carl" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Carl"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Carl"
"Carl" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 28th of 7545 | 113,313 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 31st of 6773 | 122,389 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 48th of 7552 | 145,405 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 76th of 10718 | 59,387 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 145th of 16616 | 33,996 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 384th of 24088 | 11,795 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 738th of 23106 | 4,060 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1131st of 9107 | 773 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1195th of 9204 | 712 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1847th of 12526 | 639 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2154th of 19264 | 620 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4606th of 27321 | 311 |
Regional Popularity of "Carl" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
1.55% 22nd/1416 |
3.05% 42nd/1379 |
1.23% 29th/2366 |
2.71% 31st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
1.81% 28th/1546 |
2.25% 35th/1556 |
1.27% 30th/2353 |
2.84% 44th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.38% 53rd/2227 |
2.14% 52nd/2430 |
1.54% 44th/2853 |
2.20% 61st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.72% 80th/2937 |
1.89% 66th/3483 |
2.30% 81st/3518 |
2.77% 112th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.42% 126th/3685 |
2.73% 122nd/4475 |
2.62% 136th/5194 |
3.40% 215th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.22% 331st/4582 |
6.49% 335th/5164 |
5.02% 367th/7313 |
7.02% 524th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
15.84% 631st/3984 |
15.58% 699th/4487 |
10.91% 744th/6822 |
14.31% 898th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Carl" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
69.49% 984th/1416 |
93.69% 1292nd/1379 |
60.52% 1432nd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
75.55% 1168th/1546 |
87.85% 1367th/1556 |
81.68% 1922nd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 2227th/2227 |
87.41% 2124th/2430 |
72.77% 2076th/2853 |
83.32% 2312th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
69.49% 2041st/2937 |
83.15% 2896th/3483 |
70.01% 2463rd/3518 |
56.18% 2272nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
86.39% 4487th/5194 |
93.73% 5921st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Carl"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Carl" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Carl" in the United States
The name Carl is most popular in West Virginia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Carl has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Carl' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 28th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 31st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 48th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 76th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 145th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 384th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 738th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1131st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1195th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1847th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2154th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4606th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Carl' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.