What does Carys mean and where does it come from?
Carys is a popular Welsh name that signifies love and affection. It gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in Wales and the broader UK. The name reflects the growing interest in traditional names with deep meanings, and it is sometimes used in literature and popular culture. Notable
Cultural significance
Carys has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of love, beloved..
Peak popularity
Reached #1231 in 2006 — currently #4375 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Carys?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Carys?
Carys works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carys Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Carys Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Carys Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Carys Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Carys Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Carys Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Carys right now?
Rising fast — up 313 spots — currently #4375 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4375 | 32 | ▲ up 313 · +10% births |
| 2024 | #4688 | 29 | ▲ up 899 · +32% births |
| 2023 | #5587 | 22 | ▼ down 1809 · -45% births |
| 2022 | #3778 | 40 | ▲ up 565 · +25% births |
| 2021 | #4343 | 32 | ▼ down 240 · -6% births |
| 2020 | #4103 | 34 | ▼ down 1816 · -59% births |
| 2015 | #2287 | 82 | ▼ down 483 · -28% births |
| 2010 | #1804 | 114 | ▼ down 245 · -13% births |
| 2005 | #1559 | 131 | ▲ up 4323 · +589% births |
| 2000 | #5882 | 19 | ▲ up 1586 · +58% births |
| 1995 | #7468 | 12 | — |
The story of Carys
Carys is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1991. With 2,172 total births recorded, Carys remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7468 in 1995 to #5587 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Carys in 2006:
Carys by decade
Carys peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 82 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,123 | |
| 2010s | 933 | |
| 2020s | 95 | |
💎With 2,172 total births, Carys is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Carys?
What names sound and feel like Carys?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carys also consider these
How is Carys written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Carys
What does the name Carys mean?
Carys means "Love, beloved." — a name rooted in Welsh 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 Carys?
Carys is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Carys?
Carys originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh 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 Carys?
Carys is a two-syllable name pronounced KAH-RIS. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Carys a common or rare name?
Carys is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.