Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Carlos
BoySpanish, Germanic· “free man”
- Meaning
- free man
- Origin
- Spanish, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- KAR-lohs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #150
- US babies 2025
- 2,418
- Best rank
- #59 (1999)
- Peak year
- 2001
Meaning and origin of Carlos
Carlos is a Spanish and Germanic name that means “free man”.
Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Charles, which goes back to the Germanic karl, meaning man or free man. The name has deep royal roots in Spain and Portugal, where several kings were called Carlos, including Carlos I of Spain, also Holy Roman Emperor as Charles V. It has long been one of the most common names in the Spanish-speaking world. In the United States it is widely used in Latino families and easily understood in English. The name is warm and straightforward, with Carlitos as an affectionate diminutive.
Popularity over time
Carlos has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #59 in 1999, and the most babies received it in 2001, when 6,842 were named Carlos. In 2025, 2,418 babies were named Carlos, and it ranked #150 nationally. That is 29% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #267 in 1920, #188 in 1950, #78 in 1980, #66 in 2000, #89 in 2010, and #150 in 2025. Of the 307,036 US boys named Carlos since records began, 21% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 55,185 babies. Since 2010, 50,482 more have been named Carlos.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Nathaniel, Seth, Cole, Garrett, and Alejandro.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Carlos ranked highest in Arizona, Texas, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #49 | 130 |
| Texas | #72 | 535 |
| California | #88 | 442 |
| Wyoming | #96 | 5 |
| New Mexico | #101 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Carlos is usually pronounced KAR-lohs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-os”.
Middle names for Carlos
A few middle names that flow with Carlos: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Carlos
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Lists that include Carlos
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Carlos mean?
Carlos is a Spanish and Germanic name that means “free man”.
What is the origin of the name Carlos?
Carlos has Spanish and Germanic roots. Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Charles, which goes back to the Germanic karl, meaning man or free man.
Is Carlos a popular name?
Yes. Carlos ranked #150 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Carlos a boy or girl name?
Carlos is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Carlos?
Carlos is usually pronounced KAR-lohs. 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