Kaarel

Kaarel is a masculine given name used in Estonia. It is the Estonian form of Karl, which itself derives from the Germanic name Carl or Charles. The root is commonly traced to Proto-Germanic *Karlaz, meaning “man” or “freeman.”

In Estonia the spelling Kaarel reflects the Estonian orthographic system and the name is part of a tradition of adopting classical European names. It is cognate with Karl in many other languages, and related variants include Karel in Dutch and Czech, Karol in Polish and several Slavic languages, and Karl in German and English.

Kaarel has been in use in Estonia for generations and remains a recognizable traditional name today. It is typically used as a standard given name and does not ordinarily appear as a surname.

Notable people with the name, while not listed here, include individuals in fields such as science, culture and public life who bear the Estonian form of the name.

See also: Karl (name), Kaarle, Karol, Karel.