What does Carlisa mean and where does it come from?
Carlisa is a modern name that has emerged primarily in the United States. It is often considered a feminine variant of the name Carl, which has Germanic roots meaning 'free man.' The name gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly among African American communities, and reflects a blen
Cultural significance
Carlisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man, strong.
Peak popularity
Reached #2501 in 1975 — currently #565 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Carlisa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Carlisa?
Carlisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carlisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Carlisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Carlisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Carlisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Carlisa Jane
Literary · strong
Carlisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Carlisa right now?
Holding steady — currently #565 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #565 | 1,635 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #570 | 1,615 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #575 | 1,585 | ▲ up 11480 · +19713% births |
| 2005 | #12055 | 8 | ▼ down 4362 · -38% births |
| 2000 | #7693 | 13 | ▼ down 2612 · -32% births |
| 1995 | #5081 | 19 | ▼ down 2147 · -51% births |
| 1990 | #2934 | 39 | ▲ up 753 · +70% births |
| 1985 | #3687 | 23 | ▼ down 313 · -8% births |
| 1980 | #3374 | 25 | ▼ down 873 · -22% births |
| 1975 | #2501 | 32 | ▲ up 1174 · +88% births |
| 1970 | #3675 | 17 | ▼ down 1137 · -29% births |
| 1965 | #2538 | 24 | ▲ up 1884 · +140% births |
| 1960 | #4422 | 10 | — |
The story of Carlisa
Carlisa entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 1,001 total births recorded, Carlisa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4422 in 1960 to #565 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Carlisa in 1975:
Carlisa by decade
Carlisa peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 16 | |
| 1960s | 170 | |
| 1970s | 241 | |
| 1980s ★ | 255 | |
| 1990s | 227 | |
| 2000s | 81 | |
| 2010s | 11 | |
💎With 1,001 total births, Carlisa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Carlisa?
What names sound and feel like Carlisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carlisa also consider these
Common questions about the name Carlisa
What does the name Carlisa mean?
Carlisa means "free man, strong" — 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 Carlisa?
Carlisa is currently ranked #565 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Carlisa?
Carlisa 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.
How do you pronounce the name Carlisa?
Carlisa is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R L IY1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Carlisa?
Carlisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.