Carli

“Free Woman”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#1347US 2023

853Births / yr

→Stable

8.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 195700.02% of births at peak

What does Carli mean and where does it come from?

Carli is a variation of the name Carly, which is derived from the Old German name Karl, meaning 'man' or 'free man.' It gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century. Notable individuals with the name include Carli Lloyd, an American soccer player renowned for her contributions

Cultural significance

Carli has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free woman.

Peak popularity

Reached #623 in 1996 — currently #1347 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Carli?

Carli works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Carli Grace

How popular is Carli right now?

Holding steady — currently #1347 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#1347 · Top 0.99%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1347	853	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1352	833	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1357	803	▲ up 293 · +548% births
2020	#1650	124	▼ down 130 · -16% births
2015	#1520	148	▼ down 294 · -25% births
2010	#1226	197	▼ down 216 · -19% births
2005	#1010	242	▼ down 268 · -22% births
2000	#742	311	▼ down 82 · -4% births
1995	#660	324	▲ up 400 · +93% births
1990	#1060	168	▲ up 70 · +31% births
1985	#1130	128	▲ up 793 · +129% births
1980	#1923	56	▼ down 174 · +4% births
1975	#1749	54	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Carli

Best Year1995Rank #660

Peak Count853

Average Rank#1287

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

The story of Carli

Carli entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 8,674 total births recorded, Carli remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1749 in 1975 to #1347 in 2023. Carli is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Carli in 1996:

Emily Jessica Ashley Sarah Samantha

Carli by decade

Carli peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	6
1970s	351
1980s	1,252
1990s ★	3,039
2000s	2,506
2010s	1,396
2020s	124

💎With 8,674 total births, Carli is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Carli?

Common

CarCa

What names sound and feel like Carli?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carli also consider these

Carti

American · Derived from the

Carri

American · free man/strong

Cardi

American · Inspiration; a variant

Cayli

American · English

Harli

American · from the hare's

Common questions about the name Carli

What does the name Carli mean?

Carli means "Free Woman" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Carli?

Carli is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Carli?

Carli originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Carli a common or rare name?

Carli is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Carli more of a girl or boy name?

Carli is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.