Carlton

“from the free men's town”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#1823US 2023

377Births / yr

→Stable

48.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 192000

How to pronounce Carlton

KAH·rltun

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

“from the free men's town”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Carlton mean and where does it come from?

Carlton is traditionally a male name of English origin, but in contemporary settings, it has been used for females as well. It derived from the Old English name 'Ceorl's town', indicating the settlement of free men. The name has gained recognition particularly through pop culture, notably the charac

Cultural significance

Carlton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the free men's town.

Peak popularity

Reached #3240 in 1946 — currently #1823 in the US.

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How else can you spell Carlton?

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

Carleton

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Carlton?

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

Carlton Grace

How popular is Carlton right now?

Holding steady — currently #1823 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1823 · Top 1.3%

1920

1925

1930

1940

1960

1965

1970

1980

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1823	377	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1828	357	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2021	#1833	327	▲ up 11589 · +6440% births
1995	#13422	5	▼ down 5983 · -37% births
1980	#7439	8	▼ down 2364 · -20% births
1970	#5075	10	▲ up 767 · +67% births
1965	#5842	6	▼ down 1388 · -33% births
1960	#4454	9	▼ down 68 · +80% births
1940	#4386	5	▼ down 319 · -17% births
1930	#4067	6	▲ up 378
1925	#4445	6	▼ down 31
1920	#4414	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Carlton

Best Year2023Rank #1823

Peak Count377

Average Rank#4919

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202312 years

The story of Carlton

Carlton entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. A total of 48,926 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4414 in 1920 to #1823 in 2023. Carlton is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Carlton in 1946:

Mary Linda Patricia Barbara Carol

Carlton by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	190
1890s	259
1900s	451
1910s	2,840
1920s	4,746
1930s	5,037
1940s	5,394
1950s ★	7,965
1960s	7,043
1970s	4,860
1980s	4,025
1990s	3,568
2000s	1,610
2010s	878
2020s	60

What are good nicknames for Carlton?

Common

CarCaArlton

What names sound and feel like Carlton?

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

Carlston

American · From Carl's town

Carston

American · Son of Carr

Carlson

American · son of Carl

Arlton

American · A modern variant

Campton

American · English

Cashton

American · A blend of

Karlton

American · Free man (variant

Cayton

American · A beloved name

How is Carlton written in other languages?

Carleton

ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Carlton

What does the name Carlton mean?

Carlton means "from the free men's town" — 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 Carlton?

Carlton is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Carlton?

Carlton 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 Carlton?

Carlton is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R L T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Carlton a common or rare name?

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