Karol

Karol is a masculine given name used mainly in Poland and in other parts of Central and Eastern Europe. It is the Polish form of Charles, and is cognate with Karel (Czech), Károly (Hungarian), Karl (German and Scandinavian), Carlo (Italian), and Carolus in Latin. The name ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic *Karlaz, meaning “free man.”

In Polish usage, Karol has been common since medieval times and remains widely used. Diminutives include Karolek, Karolciu, and other affectionate forms. The name is often associated with religious and royal contexts in Polish history, given its connection to Charles.

Notable people named Karol include Karol Józef Wojtyła (1920–2005), who became Pope John Paul II; Karol Szymanowski (1882–1937), a prominent Polish composer; Karol Irzykowski (1873–1944), a writer and critic; and Karol Modzelewski (1937–2019), a historian and politician.

Outside Poland, the name appears primarily among communities of Polish origin or in historical records; it can also appear as a surname in some cases. As a given name, Karol remains a distinctly Polish form but is recognized in neighboring languages due to cultural exchange.

Related forms include Karel, Károly, Karl, Carlo, and Carolus.