Tools / Baby names / C
Carl
BoyMeaning of Carl: German: 'free man'
Carl is a boy's name most strongly associated with German naming. It has 4 letters and 1 syllable, and it is a timeless pick that has stayed popular for over a century — 1139th most popular boys' name in the United States in 2025 and 2263rd in England & Wales.
US rank 2025
#1139
187 babies in 2025
England & Wales 2024
#2263
10 babies in 2024
US babies since 1880
508,017
First recorded 1880 · peak 1956
Trend
falling
Style: classic
Popularity over time
Gender split
99% boys · 1% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.
Origins & cultures
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Greek · 3 syllables
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Hebrew · 2 syllables
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English · 2 syllables
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Scottish · 3 syllables
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Spanish · 2 syllables
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Irish · 2 syllables
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