About the name Carlos
The origin of Carlos is debated, and we couldn't confirm its meaning from a sourced etymology. A commonly cited theory links it to Spanish roots, with the meaning “Free man”. Treat that as a theory, not a settled fact.
Why we say this: we only state a meaning as fact when a sourced etymology (Wiktionary, with its references) supports it. For Carlos we didn't find one we were confident in, so we show the popular explanation as a theory.
It has a classic feel. In 2025, Carlos ranked #150 for boys in the US, with 2,418 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 2001. Since 2000, 100% of US babies named Carlos were boys.
- US rank 2025
- #150
- In 2015
- #118
- Babies in 2025
- 2,418
Popularity of Carlos, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
Hello, world
Carlos
Your last name
born on your big day
7 LB 4 OZ · 20 IN
The Baby Kit
See Carlos on a birth announcement
Birth announcements, shower invitations, nursery wall art and milestone cards, all personalized with Carlos. Type your details once and print at home or at any print shop.
Nicknames for Carlos
- Carlitos
Names similar to Carlos
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.