Carlos

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Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Charles, derived from the Germanic name Karl meaning 'free man' or 'strong man.' It has deep roots in European royalty and has been a beloved name throughout Spanish-speaking cultures for centuries.

Current Popularity

#150 for boys

in the United States (2025)

Projected 2026: #155, likely #133 to #177

↗Less common now

Popularity over time

188019502020
Recent years · births per year

Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 2,354. How this is calculated

Yearly values
  • 2011: 4,182
  • 2012: 4,010
  • 2013: 3,684
  • 2014: 3,424
  • 2015: 3,421
  • 2016: 3,204
  • 2017: 3,075
  • 2018: 2,864
  • 2019: 2,846
  • 2020: 2,480
  • 2021: 2,506
  • 2022: 2,594
  • 2023: 2,557
  • 2024: 2,626
  • 2025: 2,418
  • 2026 (projected): 2,354

Good to Know

Common nicknames: Carl, Carlito, Charlie, Los, Lito
  • •Easy to pronounce in both English and Spanish
  • •Well-established across multiple cultures with consistent spelling
  • •Strong historical and royal connections
  • •Popular throughout Latin America, Spain, and among Hispanic communities worldwide

Famous People

C

Carlos Santana

Legendary guitarist and musician

C

Carlos Slim

Mexican business magnate and philanthropist

P

Prince Carlos of Spain

Spanish royal and King Felipe VI's father

C

Carlos Vela

Professional soccer player

Statistics

307,036

Total births since 1880

2001

Peak year

Discovery

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