Origin & Meaning of the Karl Surname
What does the last name Karl mean?
The surname Karl 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 6,564 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Karl ranks as the #5,308 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Karl come from?
The Karl 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 Karl name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Karl 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 | Karl |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,308 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,564 |
| Per 100K People | 2.23 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Karl
According to the US Census, the Karl surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,564 Americans with the Karl last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.04% |
| Black | 1.95% |
| Hispanic | 2.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.73% |
| Native American | 0.29% |
| Two or More Races | 1.45% |
Popularity of Karl Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Karl surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Karl surname increased by 429 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Karl
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Karl.
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 Karl.
Frequently Asked Questions About Karl
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