Karli
Karli Origin and Meaning
Karli as a masculine name represents an unusual gender assignment for what is more commonly recognized as a feminine name in English-speaking countries. This form is typically a feminine diminutive of Karl/Carl or a variation of Karly/Carlie. In Germanic contexts, Karl means 'free man' or 'strong man,' making its derivatives traditionally masculine in origin despite modern feminine usage. In some Scandinavian and German-speaking regions, Karli might still be used as a male nickname or diminutive form. The masculine usage of Karli in English contexts is exceptionally rare, though the trend toward using traditionally feminine-ending names for boys has increased slightly in recent decades. When used for boys, the name carries the strong etymological roots of Karl while presenting a softer, more contemporary sound.