Karol Unisex
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
Fictional characters named Karol
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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 | |
| CA | 8 | |
| FL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1918 | 5 |
| 1921 | 8 |
| 1923 | 6 |
| 1924 | 7 |
| 1925 | 7 |
| 1926 | 7 |
| 1927 | 9 |
| 1928 | 10 |
| 1929 | 11 |
| 1930 | 16 |
| 1931 | 13 |
| 1932 | 20 |
| 1933 | 38 |
| 1934 | 52 |
| 1935 | 49 |
| 1936 | 79 |
| 1937 | 86 |
| 1938 | 104 |
| 1939 | 112 |
| 1940 | 137 |
| 1941 | 151 |
| 1942 | 172 |
| 1943 | 184 |
| 1944 | 214 |
| 1945 | 211 |
| 1946 | 216 |
| 1947 | 250 |
| 1948 | 232 |
| 1949 | 184 |
| 1950 | 200 |
| 1951 | 205 |
| 1952 | 236 |
| 1953 | 190 |
| 1954 | 207 |
| 1955 | 214 |
| 1956 | 203 |
| 1957 | 251 |
| 1958 | 256 |
| 1959 | 253 |
| 1960 | 225 |
| 1961 | 225 |
| 1962 | 203 |
| 1963 | 190 |
| 1964 | 220 |
| 1965 | 181 |
| 1966 | 157 |
| 1967 | 139 |
| 1968 | 126 |
| 1969 | 110 |
| 1970 | 99 |
| 1971 | 83 |
| 1972 | 54 |
| 1973 | 54 |
| 1974 | 38 |
| 1975 | 34 |
| 1976 | 35 |
| 1977 | 27 |
| 1978 | 34 |
| 1979 | 30 |
| 1980 | 35 |
| 1981 | 22 |
| 1982 | 19 |
| 1983 | 32 |
| 1984 | 21 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 25 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 27 |
| 1990 | 41 |
| 1991 | 35 |
| 1992 | 25 |
| 1993 | 32 |
| 1994 | 31 |
| 1995 | 32 |
| 1996 | 42 |
| 1997 | 30 |
| 1998 | 37 |
| 1999 | 45 |
| 2000 | 48 |
| 2001 | 39 |
| 2002 | 43 |
| 2003 | 34 |
| 2004 | 59 |
| 2005 | 316 |
| 2006 | 137 |
| 2007 | 149 |
| 2008 | 87 |
| 2009 | 97 |
| 2010 | 78 |
| 2011 | 100 |
| 2012 | 132 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 66 |
| 2016 | 43 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 44 |
| 2019 | 72 |
| 2020 | 55 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 61 |
| 2024 | 40 |