Carel is an intriguing Dutch name, believed to have originated from the Germanic element 'karal', meaning 'strength'. It has a long history of use, particularly within Dutch nobility. The name gained prominence through figures like Carel van Mander, a prominent Dutch historian and painter in the 16th century. Today, it is still used, adding a touch of vintage charm to those who bear it.
The name Carel experienced a consistent level of popularity from the early 20th century until the late 1940s and again in recent years, with peaks in the late 1920s and mid-1930s. The highest number of births in any single year was nine, which occurred twice (in 1925 and 1934). However, the most frequent annual birth count was six, occurring a total of eleven times across various decades, with the latest occurrence being in 2022 and 2023. Overall, there were 158 births recorded for the name Carel from 1915 to 2023.