Carlos
Carlos is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning “Free man”, pronounced KAR-lohs. It ranked #150 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,418 babies, and peaked at #59 in 1999. Common nicknames: Charlie, Carlitos.
How popular is Carlos in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Carlos mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Carlos used around the world?
Carlos is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 20+ international variants.
Female FormCarlota
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Carlos?
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.
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.
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.