Karlie

“Free man”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1674US 2023

124Births / yr

↓Falling

10.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 196600.02% of births at peak

What does Karlie mean and where does it come from?

Karlie is a feminine variant of the name Carla or Carly and has Germanic origins. It can signify 'free man' (derived from the root 'Karl'). The name has become popular in English-speaking countries, especially the United States over recent decades. Notable figures with this name include Karlie Kloss

Cultural significance

Karlie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man.

Peak popularity

Reached #597 in 1994 — currently #1674 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Karlie?

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

Karlie Grace

How popular is Karlie right now?

Falling — down 118 spots — currently #1674 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#1674 · Top 1.2%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1674	124	▼ down 118 · -9% births
2022	#1556	137	▼ down 241 · -20% births
2021	#1315	172	▼ down 112 · -9% births
2020	#1203	189	▼ down 383 · -45% births
2015	#820	342	▼ down 15 · +1% births
2010	#805	339	▼ down 112 · -15% births
2005	#693	400	▼ down 23 · +11% births
2000	#670	361	▼ down 40 · +4% births
1995	#630	346	▲ up 463 · +114% births
1990	#1093	162	▲ up 779 · +170% births
1985	#1872	60	▲ up 1245 · +114% births
1980	#3117	28	▲ up 371 · +40% births
1975	#3488	20	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Karlie

Best Year1995Rank #630

Peak Count400

Average Rank#1457

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

The story of Karlie

Karlie is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1966. A total of 10,854 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3488 in 1975 to #1674 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Karlie in 1994:

Jessica Ashley Emily Samantha Sarah

Karlie by decade

Karlie peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	5
1970s	134
1980s	724
1990s	3,215
2000s ★	3,671
2010s	2,916
2020s	189

What are good nicknames for Karlie?

Common

KarKaArlie

What names sound and feel like Karlie?

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

Kaylie

American · slender and fair

Kahlie

American · slim and fair

Karrie

American · English

Karie

American · A variant of

American · slim, fair

Karlise

American · German

Common questions about the name Karlie

What does the name Karlie mean?

Karlie means "Free man" — 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 Karlie?

Karlie 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 Karlie?

Karlie 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.

Is Karlie a common or rare name?

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

What are good nicknames for Karlie?

Karlie naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.