Karol is a name of Polish origin, derived from the masculine given name Charles. The name Charles has been widely used throughout Europe for centuries and is ultimately derived from the Germanic name "Karl," which means "strong" or "free man." In Poland, Karol is often associated with prominent historical figures such as Karol Wojtyła, who later became Pope John Paul II.
The name Karol gained popularity in Poland during the Middle Ages when it was used by several members of the royal house. However, its use spread beyond Poland and can now be found in various other Slavic countries as well as in France and Germany.
In terms of meaning, Karol carries a strong and noble connotation due to its association with strength and freedom. It has also been associated with wisdom and leadership throughout history, particularly through the example set by figures like Karol Wojtyła/Pope John Paul II.
Today, Karol remains a popular choice among parents in Poland and other Slavic countries, while it continues to be used occasionally in Western Europe as well. Its timeless appeal lies in its historical significance and strong meaning, making it a fitting choice for those looking for a name with a rich heritage and powerful implications.
Based on the provided statistics, we can analyze the popularity of the name Karol over time in the United States.
From 1918 to 1974, the number of babies named Karol varied between a low of 5 births in 1918 and a peak of 250 births in 1947. During this period, the popularity of the name appeared to increase gradually, with a significant spike occurring between 1936 and 1947.
However, from 1975 onwards, we observe a consistent decrease in the number of babies named Karol. The lowest point was reached in 2018 with only 44 births, indicating that Karol became less popular as a baby name over time.
In recent years, there has been a slight increase in popularity, with 61 births recorded in 2023. This suggests that while Karol is still not one of the most popular names, it might be experiencing a minor resurgence among parents choosing names for their newborns.
Overall, the total number of babies named Karol born in the United States from 1918 to 2023 is 9608. This data reflects the changing trends and preferences in baby naming over nearly a century.