Carl \c(a)-rl\ as a boy's name is pronounced karl. It is of Old German origin. From Karl, the German form of Charles (Old German) "free man". See also Carlos. Poet Carl Sandburg; journalist Carl Bernstein; astronomer/author Carl Sagan; psychologist Carl Jung.
Carl has 3 variant forms: Carel, Karel and Karl.
For more information, see also the related name Carlyle.