Carlos

What does the baby name Carlos mean? Learn about what Carlos means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Carlos - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Carlos
C-A-R-L-O-S, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Carlos
KAHR los
Meaning of Carlos
Manly, free man, strong and manly, farmer, man, manly and strong.
Origin of Carlos
The name 'Carlos' has its origins in the Spanish and Portuguese languages. It is derived from the Germanic name Karl, which means 'man' or 'free man'. The name 'Carlos' can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was commonly used among nobility and royalty. Its earliest known use can be found in medieval Spain, where it was a popular choice for kings and princes.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Carlos
Alcuin
Cahil
Cale
Carel
Carl
Carleton
Carlo
Carrol
Carroll
Cary
Caryl
Cathal
Chad
Charles
Charlie
Charlot
Charlton
Chas
Chaz
Chick
Chip
Chuck
Karl
Karoly
Tearlach
Popularity of Carlos
Over time, the name 'Carlos' has maintained a steady level of popularity. In the Spanish-speaking world, it has consistently ranked among the top names for boys. In countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Argentina, 'Carlos' has been a popular choice for centuries. However, it experienced a notable spike in popularity during the 20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. This surge in popularity can be attributed to cultural influences and the rise of famous 'Carlos'es during that time.
Carlos currently has 1126 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Mason is slightly more popular than Carlos.

Etymology of Carlos

The etymology of the name 'Carlos' is rooted in the Germanic name Karl, as mentioned earlier. Karl, in turn, is derived from the Old High German word 'karal', meaning 'man' or 'husband'. The name eventually evolved into 'Carlos' through linguistic transformations and cultural adaptations. It is interesting to note that the name 'Carlos' shares its etymological roots with other popular names such as Charles in English and Carlo in Italian.

Cultural Significance of Carlos

'Carlos' holds significant cultural value in various contexts. In Hispanic cultures, it is often associated with strength, nobility, and leadership. The name has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, including kings, conquerors, and revolutionaries. For example, 'Carlos' I of Spain, also known as Charles V, was one of the most influential monarchs of his time. 'Carlos' also holds religious significance in Catholicism, as it is the Spanish equivalent of the name Charles, which is associated with several saints.