Carlos
How to say it: KAR-lohss · /ˈkɑrloʊs/
Spanish form of Charles, from Germanic Karl meaning 'free man'; spread widely by Charlemagne's legacy.
Carlos was the 168th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 2,418 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2000s, its births are down about 29% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #180 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #168 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 2,418 |
| Share of births | 1 in 1,371 |
| Peak decade | 2000s |
| Change over 10 years | −29% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #180 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,110 among boys’ names, 20 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Carlos reached fullest use in the 2000s and now stands well below that level. More easing is likely as time moves on.
What goes with it
Strong and resonant with breathy sounds and an ease across borders. Miguel shares its classic strength, and Luis is another good companion.
Middle names that flow with Carlos →
Nicknames
- Carlito
- Caro
Honouring a Carlos in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Carlos is about 1 in 58.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish.
In France: #1,110 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Carlos
- Carlos Alazraqui (born 1962)American actor
- Carlos Slim (born 1940)Mexican business magnate and investor
- Carlos Tevez (born 1984)Argentine association football player
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Carlos
Find names you'll both love, starting with Carlos
The one-minute style quiz.