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masculine · German origin
Carl is a Germanic given name derived from the Old High German element karl, meaning "man" or "free man," and is the continental European equivalent of the Old English Cynebeald-rooted tradition that produced Charles. The name gained widespread prestige through the Frankish emperor Charlemagne, whose Latin name Carolus Magnus means "Charles the Great," and it remained popular among European royalty and nobility for centuries. Notable bearers include the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus and the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. Closely related forms include Karl, Charles, Carlo, and Carlos.
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