Carlos
“free man” — Associated with several notable figures
Spanish origin · Unisex name
#139US 2023
2.6kBirths / yr
↑Rising
296.2kAll-time births
📅 Since 191300
How to pronounce Carlos
KAH·REL·AY·ES
/ˈkɑ.ˈrɛl.ˈeɪ.ˈɛs/ · stress on KAH · 3 syllables
“free man”
Associated with several notable figures · Spanish origin
What does Carlos mean and where does it come from?
Carlos is a common name in both Spanish and Portuguese cultures, derived from the German name Karl, which means 'free man'. The name enjoys widespread popularity across various countries in Latin America and Spain, and is often associated with several notable figures, including kings and artists. It
Cultural significance
Carlos has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spanish.
Peak popularity
Reached #1809 in 1975 — currently #139 in the US.
How else can you spell Carlos?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Carlos?
Carlos works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carlos Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Carlos Rose
Floral · soft ending
Carlos Mae
Sweet · timeless
Carlos Claire
French influence · crisp
Carlos Jane
Literary · strong
Carlos Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Carlos right now?
Rising — up 8 spots — currently #139 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Carlos
Carlos entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. More than 296,171 babies have been named Carlos since 1913. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3116 in 1920 to #139 in 2023. Carlos is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Carlos in 1975:
Carlos by decade
Carlos peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 209 | |
| 1890s | 252 | |
| 1900s | 489 | |
| 1910s | 2,115 | |
| 1920s | 4,853 | |
| 1930s | 5,653 | |
| 1940s | 8,198 | |
| 1950s | 15,988 | |
| 1960s | 22,661 | |
| 1970s | 37,389 | |
| 1980s | 41,936 | |
| 1990s | 55,436 | |
| 2000s ★ | 63,285 | |
| 2010s | 35,261 | |
| 2020s | 2,446 |
What are good nicknames for Carlos?
ENGLISH
CharleyCharlieChasChazChipChuck
FINNISH
Kalle
FRENCH
Charlot
HUNGARIAN
Karcsi
Famous people named Carlos
C(
Carlos (Flamenco artist)
Carlos carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
C(
Carlos (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Carlos bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
C(
Carlos (Spanish royal)
Carlos held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
C(
Carlos (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Carlos bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
What names sound and feel like Carlos?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carlos also consider these
How is Carlos written in other languages?
Gender variants of Carlos
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 HISTORY
Common questions about the name Carlos
What does the name Carlos mean?
Carlos means "Spanish" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Carlos?
Carlos is currently ranked #139 in the United States 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 Carlos?
Carlos originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Carlos?
Carlos is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R EH1 L EY1 EH1 S. 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 Carlos?
Carlos pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
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