Carlisle

“Carlisle originally refers to a city in Cumbria, England, whose name comes from the Latin 'Civitas Aurelianorum'”

United Kingdom origin · Unisex name

♂ 80% boys♀ 20% girls

#3426US 2023

34Births / yr

↓Falling

2.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 194400

How to pronounce Carlisle

KAH·rleyel

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

“Carlisle originally refers to a city in Cumbria, England, whose name comes from the Latin 'Civitas Aurelianorum'”

United Kingdom origin · Unisex name

What does Carlisle mean and where does it come from?

Carlisle originally refers to a city in Cumbria, England, whose name comes from the Latin 'Civitas Aurelianorum'. The name has been used for both genders but is more commonly seen as a male name historically. In the 20th and 21st centuries, it has gained popularity as a female name, especially in th

Cultural significance

Carlisle has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #4139 in 1944 — currently #3426 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Carlisle?

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

Carlyle

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Carlisle?

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

Carlisle Grace

How popular is Carlisle right now?

Falling — down 265 spots — currently #3426 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#3426 · Top 2.5%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3426	34	▼ down 265 · -11% births
2022	#3161	38	▼ down 237 · -10% births
2021	#2924	42	▲ up 3950 · +163% births
2020	#6874	16	▲ up 1136 · +14% births
2015	#8010	14	▼ down 1817 · -33% births
2010	#6193	21	▲ up 1322 · +40% births
2005	#7515	15	▼ down 334 · +7% births
2000	#7181	14	▲ up 933 · +40% births
1995	#8114	10	▼ down 1231 · -17% births
1990	#6883	12	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Carlisle

Best Year2021Rank #2924

Peak Count42

Average Rank#6028

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 202310 years

The story of Carlisle

Carlisle entered American naming records in 1944 and has been in use for over 80 years. With 2,081 total births recorded, Carlisle remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6883 in 1990 to #3426 in 2023. Carlisle is used for both genders: 20% female and 80% male.

Names that peaked alongside Carlisle in 1944:

Mary Barbara Linda Patricia Carol

Carlisle by decade

Carlisle peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	9
1890s	36
1900s	10
1910s	188
1920s	231
1930s	176
1940s	161
1950s	108
1960s	66
1970s	92
1980s	83
1990s	191
2000s	177
2010s ★	497
2020s	56

💎With 2,081 total births, Carlisle is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Carlisle?

Common

CarCaIsle

What names sound and feel like Carlisle?

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

Carlysle

American · Derived from an

Carlile

Scottish · derived from a

France · Derived from the

Calisce

Latin · A Latin name

Common questions about the name Carlisle

What does the name Carlisle mean?

Carlisle means "English" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Carlisle?

Carlisle 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 Carlisle?

Carlisle originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Carlisle?

Carlisle is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R L AY2 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Carlisle a common or rare name?

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