Karl (surname)

The surname Karl is of British origin and is derived from the popular masculine forename "Karl," which has Germanic and Norse roots. This surname is classified as a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the first name of an ancestor.

The name Karl itself is a variation of the name Charles, which has been a popular name across Europe for centuries. The name Charles comes from the Germanic word karlaz, meaning "man" or "freeman."

Individuals with the surname Karl can trace their ancestry to a male ancestor named Karl, Charles, or a similar variant. Over the years, variations of the surname may have arisen due to differences in local dialects and pronunciations.

The Karl surname has historical significance and is commonly found in British records and genealogies. It has been passed down through generations, linking modern-day bearers of the surname to their ancestors.

Today, individuals with the surname Karl can be found across the United Kingdom and in various other countries, owing to migration and historical movements of people.

The Karl surname holds a place in British history and genealogy, representing a lineage that embodies the heritage and traditions of the British Isles.

There are approximately 134 people named Karl in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Karl.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andre
  • David
  • Derek
  • James
  • John
  • Josef
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Werner

Female

  • Antoinette
  • Claudia
  • Kerstin
  • Rebecca
  • Rose
  • Sandra
  • Simone
  • Sophie
  • Valerie
  • Vanessa

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.