Károly

Károly is a masculine given name used in Hungary. It is the Hungarian form of Charles, derived from the Germanic Karl, and traditionally means “free man.” The name has appeared in Hungarian records since medieval times and remains common among Hungarian speakers and in the Hungarian diaspora. Variants include Karoly (without diacritics) and related forms in other languages such as Karl, Karol, Carlo, and Carlos.

In Hungarian usage, Károly has been borne by royalty, nobles, and many ordinary citizens, reflecting the name’s long-standing cultural presence. It is often found in historical regnal names and as a standard given name in various eras.

Notable people named Károly include:

- Károly Ferenczy (1862–1917), Hungarian painter and a key figure in the development of modern Hungarian art.

- Károly Takács (1910–1999), Hungarian pistol shooter and Olympic champion who adapted to competing with his non-dominant hand after an accident.

- Károly Grósz (1930–1994), Hungarian communist politician and prime minister from 1987 to 1988.

- Simonyi Károly (born 1948), known in English as Charles Simonyi, Hungarian-born computer programmer and entrepreneur, involved in early Microsoft software development and later spaceflight as a private citizen.

See also: the name’s equivalents in other languages and its use in various Hungarian historical and cultural contexts.