Carlyle Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationCAR-lile / /ˈkɑːr.laɪl/English; Scottish
Meaning
English: from the fortified place; Scottish: from the stream
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Carlyle has its roots in the Old Norse and Old English languages. It is derived from the place name "Carlisle," which is believed to come from the Old Norse "karl," meaning "man," combined with the Old English "lēah," meaning "woodland" or "clearing." The name thus can be interpreted as "the woodland of the man" or "the clearing of the man." The transition into English occurred as the Norse influence permeated the British Isles during the Viking Age, particularly in the 9th and 10th centuries, when Norse settlers established communities in what is now England and Scotland.
Historically, Carlisle has been significant since at least the Roman period, serving as a fort and settlement known as Luguvalium. The name gained prominence in the medieval era, particularly in the 12th century when it became a center of trade and military importance. The establishment of Carlisle as a key border town between England and Scotland further solidified its relevance, and the name Carlyle began to emerge as a surname in the 13th century. Notably, the poet and historian Thomas Carlyle, active in the 19th century, contributed to the name's literary association, although he was not the origin of the name itself.
Culturally, the name Carlyle has resonated through various historical contexts, often associated with strength and leadership due to its etymological roots. The name has been used in literature and has appeared in various forms, including the diminutive "Carl," which has its own historical significance. The enduring nature of the name reflects its deep historical connections and the cultural landscapes of England and Scotland, where it has been rooted for centuries.
Trend Summary
Carlyle has seen limited use as a first name in the United States, maintaining a low profile in terms of popularity.
Similar Names
Variants
- Carlile
International Variants
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Famous people named Carlyle
Carlyle Group is a global investment firm best known for private equity, real estate, and credit management.
Fictional characters named Carlyle
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Carlyle was first seen in the United States in 1892. Carlyle has ranked as high as #758 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, North Carolina, Illinois, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Carlyle has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Carlyle (1996)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
NY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1892 | 5 |
1894 | 10 |
1895 | 10 |
1898 | 6 |
1899 | 5 |
1900 | 6 |
1904 | 7 |
1907 | 14 |
1908 | 9 |
1909 | 11 |
1910 | 11 |
1911 | 10 |
1912 | 45 |
1913 | 34 |
1914 | 53 |
1915 | 72 |
1916 | 89 |
1917 | 101 |
1918 | 115 |
1919 | 101 |
1920 | 96 |
1921 | 87 |
1922 | 95 |
1923 | 90 |
1924 | 77 |
1925 | 75 |
1926 | 78 |
1927 | 65 |
1928 | 67 |
1929 | 61 |
1930 | 60 |
1931 | 66 |
1932 | 58 |
1933 | 64 |
1934 | 54 |
1935 | 61 |
1936 | 53 |
1937 | 46 |
1938 | 42 |
1939 | 48 |
1940 | 39 |
1941 | 40 |
1942 | 39 |
1943 | 40 |
1944 | 44 |
1945 | 36 |
1946 | 33 |
1947 | 48 |
1948 | 37 |
1949 | 45 |
1950 | 56 |
1951 | 30 |
1952 | 26 |
1953 | 38 |
1954 | 46 |
1955 | 38 |
1956 | 32 |
1957 | 25 |
1958 | 33 |
1959 | 24 |
1960 | 28 |
1961 | 20 |
1962 | 18 |
1963 | 8 |
1964 | 21 |
1965 | 16 |
1966 | 13 |
1967 | 9 |
1968 | 17 |
1969 | 18 |
1970 | 21 |
1971 | 20 |
1972 | 17 |
1973 | 14 |
1974 | 14 |
1975 | 18 |
1976 | 17 |
1977 | 15 |
1978 | 11 |
1979 | 21 |
1980 | 16 |
1981 | 13 |
1982 | 22 |
1983 | 13 |
1984 | 22 |
1985 | 13 |
1986 | 9 |
1987 | 21 |
1988 | 20 |
1989 | 16 |
1990 | 21 |
1991 | 20 |
1992 | 19 |
1993 | 19 |
1994 | 10 |
1995 | 13 |
1996 | 12 |
1997 | 10 |
1998 | 14 |
1999 | 14 |
2000 | 5 |
2001 | 13 |
2002 | 12 |
2003 | 11 |
2004 | 5 |
2005 | 7 |
2006 | 10 |
2007 | 9 |
2008 | 10 |
2009 | 10 |
2010 | 12 |
2011 | 13 |
2012 | 10 |
2013 | 19 |
2014 | 21 |
2015 | 18 |
2016 | 23 |
2017 | 26 |
2018 | 26 |
2019 | 24 |
2020 | 23 |
2021 | 22 |
2022 | 17 |
2023 | 15 |
2024 | 16 |