Carlos

Free man — a boy name of Spanish origin

GenderBoy
OriginSpanish
MeaningFree man
PronunciationKAR-lohs

Popularity of Carlos in the United States

#150Rank in 2025
2,418Births in 2025
#59 in 1999Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Carlos

Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Charles, ultimately from the Germanic "karl," meaning "free man." The name has been borne by numerous kings of Spain and Portugal, giving it strong royal pedigree throughout Iberian and Latin American history. Carlos remains one of the most enduringly popular names across the Spanish-speaking world and has a firm presence in the United States as well.

Carlos Around the World

Carlos is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 20+ international variants.

Languages
SpanishPortugueseAragoneseGalicianAsturian
Details

Female FormCarlota

International Variants
CarlesCatalan
CarolusDutch
KarolPolish
KárolyHungarian
CarlDutch
CharlesFrench
CarloItalian
KarelDutch
KarlGerman
KarolisLithuanian
CarelDutch
Karlo
Charlez
SiarlWelsh
KarlosBasque
CarlitosSpanish
KarolosGreek
KaṙlosArmenian
CarlusLatin
CharelDutch

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Carlos

CharlieCarlitos

Famous People Named Carlos

  • Carlos Santana — Mexican-American guitarist
  • Carlos Slim — Mexican business magnate
  • Juan Carlos I — former King of Spain

Similar Names to Carlos

If you like Carlos, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:Rafael

Sibling Name Ideas for Carlos

Looking for names that pair well with Carlos? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

SofiaIsabelaValentinaMarianaGabriela

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Carlos mean?

Carlos is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning "Free man." Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Charles, ultimately from the Germanic "karl," meaning "free man." The name has been borne by numerous kings of Spain and Portugal, giving it strong royal pedigree throughout Iberian and Latin American history.

How do you pronounce Carlos?

Carlos is pronounced KAR-lohs. Common variations include Carlo, Karlos, Carlus.

Is Carlos a boy name?

Yes, Carlos is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Charlie, Carlitos.

Need More Name Ideas?

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