Karl is a name of German origin that comes from the old Germanic word "karl," which means "strong" or "free man." The name has been popular throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures, including Karl Marx, the philosopher who founded Marxism, and Karl Benz, the inventor of the first gasoline-powered automobile. In some cultures, it is believed that the name brings good luck and prosperity to those who bear it. Today, Karl remains a common name in many parts of the world, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Sweden. Despite its traditional roots, the name has a modern and sophisticated sound that continues to appeal to parents looking for a strong and powerful name for their son.
The name Karl has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States, as reflected by the annual birth statistics from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to 1959, there was an overall increase in births with the name Karl. The number of births peaked at 2594 in 1960. However, from 1960 onwards, there has been a consistent decline in the popularity of the name Karl.
The highest point in recent years was in 1959, followed by a steady decrease to 389 births in 1999. The trend continued with even fewer babies being named Karl each year, reaching as low as 100 births in 2023.
Despite the decline in popularity in recent decades, the name Karl has been given to over 100,626 newborns in total across the United States since 1880. This demonstrates that although its popularity may fluctuate, it remains a enduring choice for parents throughout history.