Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Carlo
BoyItalian, Germanic· “free man”
- Meaning
- free man
- Origin
- Italian, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- KAR-loh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #869
- US babies 2025
- 276
- Best rank
- #470 (1923)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Carlo
Carlo is an Italian and Germanic name that means “free man”.
Carlo is the Italian form of Charles, from a Germanic word meaning free man. Charles was the name of many European rulers, including Charlemagne, and Carlo became common in Italy through that heritage. The writer Carlo Collodi, author of The Adventures of Pinocchio, is one of its best-known bearers. Carlo has a warm, rhythmic sound and a classic Italian feel. It suits families who like international names with deep roots. Carl and Lo are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Carlo first appears in US Social Security records in 1894. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 105 different years, starting in 1905. Its best national rank was #470 in 1923, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 276 were named Carlo. In 2025, 276 babies were named Carlo, and it ranked #869 nationally. That is 92% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #507 in 1920, #800 in 1950, #662 in 1980, #902 in 2000, #1,040 in 2010, and #869 in 2025. Of the 15,920 US boys named Carlo since records began, 12% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,908 babies. Since 2010, 2,880 more have been named Carlo.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Eren, Alessio, Adler, Zev, and Casper.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Carlo ranked highest in California, New Jersey, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #531 | 58 |
| New Jersey | #579 | 12 |
| Arizona | #598 | 11 |
| Pennsylvania | #610 | 15 |
| Texas | #710 | 39 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Carlo is usually pronounced KAR-loh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-lo”.
Middle names for Carlo
A few middle names that flow with Carlo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Carlo
Similar names
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Lists that include Carlo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Carlo mean?
Carlo is an Italian and Germanic name that means “free man”.
What is the origin of the name Carlo?
Carlo has Italian and Germanic roots. Carlo is the Italian form of Charles, from a Germanic word meaning free man.
Is Carlo a popular name?
Yes. Carlo ranked #869 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Carlo a boy or girl name?
Carlo is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Carlo?
Carlo is usually pronounced KAR-loh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings