All about the name

Carols

Male

« Carlos is a Spanish name with roots in Gothic personal names, meaning "strong" or "freeholder". »

#15321 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Carlos is a name of Spanish origin that means "strong" or "freeholder". It is derived from the Gothic personal name Carl, which was used by the Ostrogoths, a Germanic tribe that invaded the Eastern Roman Empire in the late 4th century AD. The name Carlos has been popular throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Carlos I, who ruled over Spain and its colonies from 1516 to 1556. He is known for his military exploits and for commissioning the construction of the Escorial, a monumental palace and monastery complex located near Madrid. Carlos has also been popular in other parts of Latin America, where it has been used as a given name and a surname. In Brazil, for example, Carlos is one of the most common names, with over 2 million people bearing this name according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. In recent years, Carlos has become increasingly popular worldwide. According to the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was the 364th most popular boys' name in 2020, up from its rank of 519 in 2000. Similarly, in England and Wales, Carlos was the 178th most popular boys' name in 2020, compared to its rank of 364 in 2000. Overall, Carlos is a strong and powerful-sounding name with a rich history behind it. Its Spanish origins give it a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other names of similar sound and meaning, such as Charles or Karl. Whether you're drawn to its historical significance, its meaning, or simply its pleasing sound, Carlos is a name worth considering for your child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Carols since 1880

Total births
129
Total since 1880
Peak year
1987
15 births
in 1993
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years