What is the origin of the proper name Carl?

The masculine given name of Carl continues to build renown, just as it has throughout our world's short, recorded history. This is doubtlessly due in no small part to the fact that it has garnered the feminine version of Carol. While it has variations in several languages, the proper name of Carl began with the Old English names of Ceorl and Charl; similar to Charles in that it carries the meaning of "man" or "strong" in German. It also carries the meaning of "farmer" in the German language. Carol means "song of joy".