Carlin

“descendant of Ceallachan,”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 58% boys♀ 42% girls

#6273US 2023

14Births / yr

↓Falling

4.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 192000

How to pronounce Carlin

KAH·rlin

/ˈkɑ.rlɪn/ · stress on KAH · 2 syllables

“descendant of Ceallachan,”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

What does Carlin mean and where does it come from?

Carlin is derived from the Irish surname O'Ceallachain, meaning 'descendant of Ceallachan,' with Ceallachan being a diminutive form of the word 'ceall' meaning 'church.' The name Carlin can imply qualities of bravery and victory as it denotes 'little champion.' It has become more popular in contempo

Cultural significance

Carlin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.

Peak popularity

Reached #2478 in 1950 — currently #6273 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Carlin?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Karlin

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Carlin?

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

Carlin Grace

How popular is Carlin right now?

Falling — down 1821 spots — currently #6273 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#6273 · Top 4.6%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6273	14	▼ down 1821 · -39% births
2022	#4452	23	▲ up 694 · +28% births
2021	#5146	18	▼ down 156 · -28% births
2020	#4990	25	▼ down 839 · -29% births
2015	#4151	35	▲ up 969 · +30% births
2010	#5120	27	▼ down 919 · -18% births
2005	#4201	33	▼ down 1378 · -35% births
2000	#2823	51	▼ down 196 · +9% births
1995	#2627	47	▼ down 18 · +4% births
1990	#2609	45	▲ up 1273 · +114% births
1985	#3882	21	▲ up 300 · +17% births
1980	#4182	18	▼ down 203 · +13% births
1975	#3979	16	▼ down 238
1970	#3741	16	▲ up 2937 · +220% births
1965	#6678	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Carlin

Best Year1950Rank #2478

Peak Count51

Average Rank#4149

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202321 years

The story of Carlin

Carlin entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. With 4,387 total births recorded, Carlin remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5169 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6273 in 2023. Carlin is used for both genders: 42% female and 58% male.

Names that peaked alongside Carlin in 1950:

Linda Mary Patricia Barbara Susan

Carlin by decade

Carlin peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	5
1910s	58
1920s	113
1930s	151
1940s	227
1950s	292
1960s	287
1970s	357
1980s	620
1990s ★	901
2000s	733
2010s	595
2020s	48

💎With 4,387 total births, Carlin is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Carlin?

Common

CarCaArlin

What names sound and feel like Carlin?

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

Cahlin

Ireland · A powerful girl

American · Derived from the

Carsin

English · Old Norse

Caylin

English · keeper of the

Camlin

United Kingdom · Crooked stream

Carrin

American · little and fierce

Common questions about the name Carlin

What does the name Carlin mean?

Carlin means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Carlin?

Carlin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Carlin?

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

How do you pronounce the name Carlin?

Carlin is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R L IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Carlin a common or rare name?

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