Karel

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAH-rel /ˈkɑ.rɛl/Medium

Meaning: A Czech/Dutch form of Charles — from the Germanic karl, 'a free man; a man'Low

In 30 seconds: A free man; a man: Karel is the Czech/Dutch Charles. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'KAH-rel').

Origin LowCzech, Germanic

MeaningA Czech/Dutch form of Charles — from the Germanic karl, 'a free man; a man'

U.S. rank (2025)#12966 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 606

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

Karel is a Czech/Dutch form of Charles — from the Germanic karl, 'a free man; a man'. A crisp, classic name (said 'KAH-rel').

In the U.S. it appears in Czech, Dutch, and Cuban families. Rare, a-free-man at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Charles comes from the Germanic karl, 'a free man; a man' — Karel is the Czech/Dutch form, crisp and classic (said 'KAH-rel').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Karel — Czech form of Charles

CharlesKarolCarel

Kar

Karol— the Polish form

Carel— a kin spelling

Carlos— the Spanish form

Karl— the German short form

What does the name Karel mean?

Karel is a Czech/Dutch form of Charles — Germanic 'a free man; a man'.

How do you pronounce Karel?

It's said KAH-rel /ˈkɑ.rɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Karel a boy or girl name?

Karel is a boy's name.

How popular is Karel?

Karel is a very rare name in the U.S.