Surname Karle - Meaning and Origin
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A Journey into the Roots of Karle: An Insightful DNA Analysis Experience with iGENEA
Diving into the roots of the Karle family name through the lens of iGENEA DNA analysis brought the rich history attached to my genetics into sharp focus. The journey from Old German origins through a significant diaspora painted a vivid picture of the lineage I am a part of, reaffirming my connection to the past and my place in the Karle heritage.
J. Karle
read moreKarle: What does the surname Karle mean?
The last name Karle is of Germanic origin, derived from the name Karl, which is derived from the Old German ‘Karl’ meaning “free man.” This name was originally used to describe someone who belonged to the class of men-at-arms in the Middle Ages. This term was also used to describe someone who was independent and self-reliant. The last name Karle is commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
Karle may have also derived from a place name in Germany, such as Karling or Karlsburg. The earliest origins of the family can be traced back to the early Middle Ages in German- speaking regions of Europe.
The last name Karle has several related forms such as Karel, Karl, and Karell. Variations of this name are also common in the US, where it was first brought by German immigrants in the 19th century and sometimes used in place of other German surnames.
Overall, the last name Karle refers to a Germanic origin, derived from the Old German term ‘Karl’ meaning “free man.” This name has several related forms, was brought to the US by German immigrants in the 19th century, and may also be derived from a place name in Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisKarle: Where does the name Karle come from?
The last name Karle is most commonly found in Germany today. Karle is a German surname that appears mostly in the north and south parts of the country. It likely originated in the Middle Ages from the family profession of blacksmith, as Karle means "one who works with steel." In Germany, the Karle name is most frequent in the states of Saxony, Bavaria, and Lower Saxony, as well as in larger urban centres like Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich.
The Karle surname can also be found in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, where it most likely spread from the German people who emigrated there in search of better job prospects. Additionally, immigration to the United States, Canada, and other countries has further spread the Karle name around the world.
Overall, Karle is a German surname, though its presence can be found in many other countries. It has the potential to be common or uncommon in certain regions, depending on the number of people with this surname living in the area.
Variations of the surname Karle
The surname Karle is a variation of the German surname Karle, Karl, Carl, and Kárle, all of which are closely related etymologically. However, there is a wider range of variation in spelling and surnames which are all related to the same origin. Some of the most common variants are Kahl, Karlemann, Kähl, Kähle, Koehler, Köhler, Köllner, Koch, Koecher, Kocher, Kock, and Koepke.
Karle is derived from the given name Karl, which is a Germanic name meaning “free man”, “man”, or “servant”. It was used as a personal name in medieval times, and later as a surname. The variation in spelling emerged as the standard form of writing and pronunciation changed. The variants Kahl and Karleman emerged largely due to dialectical differences.
The Karle surname is also found in other parts of the world, with variants such as Carle in France and Karle in the United Kingdom. In the United States these variations are sometimes seen as spelling variants of Karl.
Koehler, Köhler, Köllner, Koch, Koecher, Kocher, Kock, and Koepke all derive from the Germanic word kuhl, meaning “container”, “barrel”, or “holder”. These surnames likely evolved from occupational names for those who made such things, or those who owned such premises.
In sum, the surname Karle can take a variety of forms and spellings, many of which are closely related to one another. Most of these are rooted in Germanic sources and have specific linguistic origins. In some cases, the surnames have been adapted to other languages and countries, while in other cases they remain largely unchanged.
Famous people with the name Karle
- John Karle: a professor of biophysics and cardiologist at the University of Washington.
- Bruce Karle: an Olympic swimmer who represented the United States at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
- Gertrude Karle: a former assistant director of the National Weather Service.
- Hans Karle: a neurosurgeon and neurologist who was the first full-time director of the Neurosurgical Institute of the Medical College of Wisconsin.
- Inger Karle: a physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories who studied nuclear fusion.
- Tammy Karle: an American multimedia journalist, news anchor and host of “Hollywood Today Live.”
- Jude Karle: founder of the Karle Group, a professional services firm.
- Marc Karle: a former professional basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls in 1984–1985.
- Tony Karle: an American actor and former professional football player who starred in the soap opera “General Hospital.”
- Arthur Karle: the New South Wales State Railways’ first Commissioner of Transport.