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Karol Unisex

Popularity: #910 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAR-ol //ˈkɛr.əl//

Origin: Slavic; Latin

Meaning: Slavic: free man; Latin: strong

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Karol has its roots in the Old Germanic name Karl, which means "free man." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, first appearing in Latin as Carolus. The name was adopted into Old French as Charles, which later influenced the English form Charles.

The transition into the feminine form Karol can be traced back to the 20th century, where it emerged as a variant of Caroline, itself derived from the Latin Carolina, a diminutive of Carolus. This linguistic journey illustrates the name's deep historical connections across different cultures and languages.

Historically, the name Charles has significant milestones, including its association with Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and Lombards in the late 8th and early 9th centuries, who was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800 AD. The name has been borne by numerous kings and saints throughout history, including Charles I of England in the 17th century and various saints named Charles, such as Saint Charles Borromeo, a prominent figure in the Counter-Reformation during the 16th century.

The name's presence in the King James Bible, particularly in the context of biblical figures, has further solidified its historical significance. Culturally, the name Karol and its variants have been associated with notions of nobility and leadership, reflecting the qualities of freedom and strength inherent in its etymology.

The name has been embraced in various cultures, often symbolizing a connection to heritage and tradition. The diminutive form Carol is also noteworthy, as it has been used in various contexts, including literature and music, further enriching the name's cultural resonance.

Overall, Karol embodies a rich historical tapestry that spans centuries and cultures, reflecting enduring values and associations.

Famous people named Karol

Karol Wojtyła is a religious leader best known for being Pope John Paul II, his role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, and his extensive travels around the world.
Karol G is a singer and songwriter best known for Tusa, Bichota, and Provenza.
Karol Szymanowski is a composer best known for his works Stabat Mater, King Roger, and Myths.

Fictional characters named Karol

Karol is a fictional character from the video game series Tales of Vesperia. He is a young, spirited member of the party who serves as the group's scout and provides comic relief.

Sibling suggestions

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Karol was first seen in the United States in 1918. Karol has ranked as high as #1034 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Karol has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Karol (2024)

State Births Share
TX 8
38%
CA 8
38%
FL 5
24%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19185
19218
19236
19247
19257
19267
19279
192810
192911
193016
193113
193220
193338
193452
193549
193679
193786
1938104
1939112
1940137
1941151
1942172
1943184
1944214
1945211
1946216
1947250
1948232
1949184
1950200
1951205
1952236
1953190
1954207
1955214
1956203
1957251
1958256
1959253
1960225
1961225
1962203
1963190
1964220
1965181
1966157
1967139
1968126
1969110
197099
197183
197254
197354
197438
197534
197635
197727
197834
197930
198035
198122
198219
198332
198421
198515
198621
198725
198822
198927
199041
199135
199225
199332
199431
199532
199642
199730
199837
199945
200048
200139
200243
200334
200459
2005316
2006137
2007149
200887
200997
201078
2011100
2012132
201366
201477
201566
201643
201736
201844
201972
202055
202152
202259
202361
202440