Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Karoly

      Origin

      Hungarian

      Meaning

      Variant of Charles, Free Man

      Variations

      Karolyn, Karolyna, Karolyne
      The name Károly is of Hungarian origin and serves as a variant of the name Charles. Its meaning, “free man,” reflects qualities of independence and strength typically associated with its etymological roots. The name has significant cultural resonance in Hungary and has been borne by notable figures throughout history. Variants of Charles are found in many cultures, but Károly specifically embodies the local linguistic and cultural identity.

      Historically, the name Károly has been prominent in Hungary since the medieval period, with significant figures, such as King Charles I of Hungary, who reigned in the 14th century. The name has been associated with various rulers, nobility, and influential personalities throughout Hungarian history, contributing to its popularity. During different periods, the name has also been linked to various cultural and political movements, further solidifying its significance in Hungary.

      In contemporary Hungary, Károly remains a common and respected name. It is often shortened to various diminutives, such as Károlyka or Karcsi, commonly used in informal settings. The name appears across various sectors, from government to the arts, signifying its continued relevance. While it may not be as widely known internationally as its Anglicized counterpart, Charles, Károly retains a strong identity within Hungarian society and is emblematic of national heritage.

      Based on our records...

      Nagy

      Nagy

      This is the most common surname associated with Karoly.
      Maria

      Maria

      This is the most common name of those married to a Karoly.
      Karoly

      Karoly

      This is the most common name for a child of a Karoly.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1881 is when there were the most people born with the first name Karoly.

      Explore the origins of another name.