Karel
/ˈkarɛl/noun
Karel is a masculine given name used especially in Czech, Slovak, and Dutch, and is a form of Charles.
Did you know?The name became internationally powerful through Charlemagne, whose Latinized name was Carolus, spreading forms such as Charles, Karl, and Karel across Europe.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Germanic
*karilaz
“A man or free person; the precise original sense is debated.”
Old English
Old English
ceorl
“A freeman or ordinary peasant, distinguished from a slave or noble.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
karl
“A man, husband, or ordinary person.”
8th–9th Century
Latin
Carolus
“The Latin form of Karl, famously used for Charlemagne.”
Medieval Period
Old French
Charles
“A personal name derived from Carolus and associated with the Carolingian dynasty.”
Modern English
Czech
Karel
“The Czech form of Charles, now used as a masculine given name.”