 Charles Martel (686–741) was an illegitimate son of Pepin of Herstal, and therefore indeed a "free man", but not of noble rank.After his victory at the Battle of Soissons (718), Charles Martel styled himself Duke of the Franks.Charles' eldest son was named Carloman (c. 710–754), a rare example of the element "carl-" occurring in a compound name.