What does Karlis mean and where does it come from?
Karlis is a Latvian form of the name Charles, which is of Germanic origin. The root of Charles means 'man' or 'free man' and has been a popular name across Europe for centuries. It carries connotations of strength and independence. Karlis has been a prominent name in Latvia, historically used among
Cultural significance
Karlis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latvia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man; man.
Peak popularity
Reached #3824 in 1966 — currently #1085 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latvia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Karlis?
Karlis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karlis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karlis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karlis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karlis Claire
French influence · crisp
Karlis Jane
Literary · strong
Karlis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karlis right now?
Holding steady — currently #1085 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1085 | 1,115 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1090 | 1,095 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1095 | 1,065 | ▲ up 3786 · +13213% births |
| 1985 | #4881 | 8 | ▲ up 300 · +14% births |
| 1980 | #5181 | 7 | ▼ down 1016 · +40% births |
| 1950 | #4165 | 5 | — |
The story of Karlis
Karlis entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. With 72 total births recorded, Karlis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4165 in 1950 to #1085 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Karlis in 1966:
Karlis by decade
Karlis peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 22 | |
| 1980s ★ | 40 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
💎Karlis has only 72 total recorded births since 1950 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Karlis?
What names sound and feel like Karlis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karlis also consider these
Common questions about the name Karlis
What does the name Karlis mean?
Karlis means "free man; man" — a name rooted in Latvia 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 Karlis?
Karlis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Karlis?
Karlis originates from Latvia tradition. Latvia 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 Karlis?
Karlis is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R L IH0 Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Karlis a common or rare name?
Karlis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.