Carly Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationCAR-lee / /ˈkɑrli/English; Irish
Meaning
English: Free man; Irish: From the fortress
Historical & Cultural Background
Carly is often considered a diminutive of the name Charles, which has roots in Old German and means 'free man.' The name has gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the 20th century. While traditionally a feminine name, it has been used for boys as well, reflecting changing naming conventions. Its usage for boys remains relatively rare compared to its female counterpart.
Trend Summary
Carly has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable rise in the late 20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Carley
- Karly
International Variants
- Carlo (Italian)
- Karl (German)
- Carlos (Spanish)
Famous people named Carly
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Fictional characters named Carly
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Carly was first seen in the United States in 1973. Carly has ranked as high as #1152 nationally, which occurred in 1986, and has been most popular in Kentucky. In the past 5 years the name Carly has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Carly (2004)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| KY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1973 | 6 |
| 1979 | 8 |
| 1981 | 10 |
| 1982 | 11 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1988 | 13 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2004 | 9 |
| 2007 | 6 |