Carl

Carl is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It derives from the name Karl, which is related to Charles and ultimately from Proto-Germanic *Karlaz, meaning "man" or "free man." The form has been widely used in Europe since the Middle Ages and has many cognates across languages.

Variants and equivalents include Karl in German and Scandinavian languages; Karel in Dutch and Czech; Karol in Polish and Slovak; Carlo in Italian; Carlos in Spanish and Portuguese; and Charles in English and French. In some contexts, Carl also appears as a surname.

The name has been borne by many notable figures, including the American astronomer Carl Sagan; the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung; the Prussian general and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz; the German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss; and the American track and field athlete Carl Lewis. In journalism, Carl Bernstein is a well-known example. In fiction, Carl Fredricksen is the elderly protagonist of Pixar's Up (2009).

Usage varies by country, but Carl has remained a common and enduring name in many parts of Europe and North America, though its relative popularity changes over time. Diminutives and related forms include Carlito, Carlo, and Karl as shorter or affectionate variants.