Karel is a unique and distinctive male given name of Czech origin. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was used in Bohemia, a historical region that is now part of the Czech Republic.
The name Karel is believed to have been derived from the Old German name Karl, which itself comes from the Germanic element "karl" meaning "free man" or "strong". Over time, Karel has become associated with strength and courage, although its exact meaning can vary depending on interpretation.
Throughout history, Karel has been a popular choice among royalty and nobility in Central Europe. Some notable figures who bear this name include Karel IV (1316-1378), the Holy Roman Emperor who was known for his architectural achievements; Karel Schwarzenberg (1918-2012), a Czech diplomat and politician; and Karel Gott (1939-2019), a renowned Czech singer.
Today, Karel continues to be a beloved name in the Czech Republic, with its popularity extending beyond its borders as well. Despite its long history and strong associations with Czech culture, Karel remains relatively uncommon outside of Central Europe, making it an intriguing choice for parents looking for something unique yet meaningful for their son.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Karel has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. The highest number of births recorded for the name Karel was in 2023, with a total of 22 births. This marks a significant increase from previous years, suggesting that the name may be gaining traction in recent times.
The years 1985 and 2004 also saw a notable spike in the number of babies named Karel, with 13 and 16 births respectively. These peaks indicate periods where the name was particularly popular.
However, it's important to note that the popularity of the name Karel has been relatively low and inconsistent throughout most of the years recorded. From 1950 to 2022, the number of births per year ranged from a low of 5 (in several years) to a high of 16 in 2004, with many years seeing fewer than 10 births.
In total, since 1916, there have been 591 babies named Karel born in the United States. This figure represents the cumulative total of births recorded each year up until 2023. While the name Karel may not be one of the most common or consistent in terms of popularity, it has nonetheless been chosen for a significant number of children over the years.
These statistics offer an interesting snapshot into the trends and fluctuations in the naming habits of parents in the United States over the past century, with regards to the name Karel.