What does Karlisa mean and where does it come from?
Karlisa appears to be an American-origin name, likely a variation of 'Carl', which has Germanic roots meaning 'free man'. It combines the name Karl with a trendy suffix to create a feminine version. The name is not very common and gained popularity in the late 20th century as parents began to create
Cultural significance
Karlisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a modern name blending 'karl' with a feminine suffix.
Peak popularity
Reached #7260 in 1993 — currently #529 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Karlisa?
Karlisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karlisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karlisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karlisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karlisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Karlisa Jane
Literary · strong
Karlisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karlisa right now?
Holding steady — currently #529 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #529 | 1,671 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #534 | 1,651 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #539 | 1,621 | ▲ up 10451 · +23057% births |
| 1995 | #10990 | 7 | ▼ down 2133 · -22% births |
| 1990 | #8857 | 9 | ▲ up 2 · +29% births |
| 1985 | #8859 | 7 | ▼ down 108 |
| 1980 | #8751 | 7 | — |
The story of Karlisa
Karlisa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. With 120 total births recorded, Karlisa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8751 in 1980 to #529 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Karlisa in 1993:
💎Karlisa has only 120 total recorded births since 1972 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Karlisa?
What names sound and feel like Karlisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karlisa also consider these
Common questions about the name Karlisa
What does the name Karlisa mean?
Karlisa means "A modern name blending 'Karl' with a feminine suffix" — 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 Karlisa?
Karlisa is currently ranked #529 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Karlisa?
Karlisa 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.
What sibling names go well with Karlisa?
Karlisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
What are good nicknames for Karlisa?
Karlisa 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.