Origin & Meaning of the Carl Surname
What does the last name Carl mean?
The surname Carl carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,689 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Carl ranks as the #3,071 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Carl come from?
The Carl surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Carl name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Carl trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Carl |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,071 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,689 |
| Per 100K People | 3.96 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Carl
According to the US Census, the Carl surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,689 Americans with the Carl last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.12% |
| Black | 4.0% |
| Hispanic | 2.79% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.4% |
| Native American | 2.09% |
| Two or More Races | 1.61% |
Popularity of Carl Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Carl surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Carl surname decreased by 371 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Carl
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Carl.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Carl.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carl
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