Carl

Carl is the German and Scandinavian form of Charles, derived from the Old High German name Karl, itself rooted in the Germanic element karl meaning man or free man. The name gained enormous prestige through the Frankish emperor Charlemagne, whose Latin name Carolus Magnus spread the form throughout medieval Europe. Carl has been borne by numerous Swedish and Danish kings as well as notable figures such as the psychologist Carl Jung and the astronomer Carl Sagan. Related forms include Charles, Karl, Carlo, and Karel.