Carlo
“free man”
Italy origin · Boy name
#869US 2025
276Births / yr
↑Rising
15.5kAll-time births
📅 Since 196200
How to pronounce Carlo
KAH·rloh
/ˈkɑ.rloʊ/ · stress on KAH · 2 syllables
“free man”
Italy origin · Boy name
What does Carlo mean and where does it come from?
Carlo is traditionally a male name in Italian and Spanish contexts, denoting a 'free man' or 'manly'. While it's rare for females to be named Carlo, it's increasingly being adapted for female use. The name has deep historical roots, with famous bearers including Carlo Goldoni, an important Italian p
Cultural significance
Carlo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man.
Peak popularity
Reached #869 in 2025 — currently #869 in the US.
How else can you spell Carlo?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Carlo?
Carlo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carlo Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Carlo John
One syllable · timeless choice
Carlo Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Carlo Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Carlo Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Carlo Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Carlo right now?
Rising — up 47 spots — currently #869 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Carlo
Carlo is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. A total of 14,921 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5894 in 1965 to #628 in 2023. Carlo is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Carlo in 2025:
Carlo by decade
Carlo peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 64 | |
| 1910s | 865 | |
| 1920s | 1,413 | |
| 1930s | 955 | |
| 1940s | 710 | |
| 1950s | 877 | |
| 1960s | 1,282 | |
| 1970s ★ | 2,011 | |
| 1980s | 1,550 | |
| 1990s | 1,474 | |
| 2000s | 1,908 | |
| 2010s | 1,675 | |
| 2020s | 662 |
What are good nicknames for Carlo?
ENGLISH
CharleyCharlieChasChazChipChuck
FINNISH
Kalle
FRENCH
Charlot
HUNGARIAN
Karcsi
What names sound and feel like Carlo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carlo also consider these
How is Carlo written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Carlo?
Charlize AFRIKAANSCarolina ANCIENT GERMANICCarla CATALANKarla CROATIANKarolina CROATIANLina CROATIANKája CZECHKarolína CZECHCaroline DANISHCharlotte DANISHIna DANISHKarla DANISHKarolina DANISHKaroline DANISHLina DANISHLine DANISHLotte DANISHCarla DUTCHCarola DUTCHCarolien DUTCHCaroline DUTCHCharlotte DUTCHLien DUTCHLotte DUTCHCalleigh ENGLISHCallie ENGLISHCari ENGLISHCarla ENGLISHCarlene ENGLISHCarley ENGLISHCarlie ENGLISHCarly ENGLISHCarlyn ENGLISHCarol ENGLISHCarolina ENGLISHCaroline ENGLISHCarolyn ENGLISHCarrie ENGLISHCarry ENGLISHCaryl ENGLISHCharla ENGLISHCharleen ENGLISHCharlene ENGLISHCharlotte ENGLISHIna ENGLISHKallie ENGLISHKarlee ENGLISHKarlene ENGLISHKarly ENGLISHKarolyn ENGLISHKarrie ENGLISHLina ENGLISHLottie ENGLISHSharla ENGLISHSharleen ENGLISHSharlene ENGLISHTottie ENGLISHTotty ENGLISHIina FINNISHKaroliina FINNISHLiina FINNISHLotta FINNISHCarole FRENCHCaroline FRENCHCharline FRENCHCharlotte FRENCHLine FRENCHCarla GERMANCarola GERMANCarolin GERMANCaroline GERMANCharlotte GERMANIna GERMANKarla GERMANKarola GERMANKarolina GERMANKaroline GERMANLotte GERMANKarola HUNGARIANKarolina HUNGARIANLili HUNGARIANSéarlait IRISHCarla ITALIANCarlotta ITALIANCarola ITALIANCarolina ITALIANLina ITALIANKarolina LITHUANIANLina LITHUANIANKarolina MACEDONIANCaroline NORWEGIANCharlotte NORWEGIANIna NORWEGIANKarla NORWEGIANKarolina NORWEGIANKaroline NORWEGIANLina NORWEGIANLine NORWEGIANLotte NORWEGIANKarolina POLISHCarla PORTUGUESECarlota PORTUGUESECarolina PORTUGUESEKarolina SLOVENECarla SPANISHCarlota SPANISHCarolina SPANISHCarola SWEDISHCarolina SWEDISHCaroline SWEDISHCharlotta SWEDISHCharlotte SWEDISHIna SWEDISHKarla SWEDISHKarolina SWEDISHLina SWEDISHLotta SWEDISHLotte SWEDISHLottie SWEDISHCharlemagne HISTORYGiancarlo ITALIAN
Common questions about the name Carlo
What does the name Carlo mean?
Carlo means "free man" — a name rooted in Italy 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 Carlo?
Carlo is currently ranked #628 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 Carlo?
Carlo originates from Italy tradition. Italy 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 Carlo?
Carlo is a two-syllable name pronounced KAH-rloh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Carlo more of a girl or boy name?
Carlo is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
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