All about the name

Carlson

Male

« Carlson is a Scandinavian male given name derived from the Old Norse personal name Karlsefni, meaning 'strong son'. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Carlson is a name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Sweden and Norway. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Karlsefni, which was used by the Viking explorer Bjarni Herjólfsson's son-in-law in his voyage to North America around the year 1000. The name Carlson consists of two elements: 'Karl,' which means 'freeholder' or 'strong,' and '-son,' a patronymic suffix that indicates the son of. Therefore, Carlson could be interpreted as meaning 'Strong son.' Carlson has been popular among Scandinavian communities for centuries, but it is not widely used outside of these regions. It is considered to be a unique and distinctive name, often associated with Scandinavian culture and heritage. Historically, there have been several notable individuals named Carlson throughout history. For instance, Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim (1867-1951) was a Finnish military leader and the seventh President of Finland from 1944 until his death in 1951. His name is often simply spelled 'Mannerheim,' but his full name includes Carlson. Today, Carlson continues to be a name carried on by families with Scandinavian roots, as well as those drawn to its unique sound and historical significance. Despite not being widely known outside of Scandinavia, it remains a proud and historic name with deep roots in Viking heritage.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Carlson since 1880

Total births
728
Total since 1880
Peak year
2016
19 births
in 2023
12
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-29%
vs previous 5 years