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Carlos
Meaning: free man (form of Charles) · Origin: Spanish / Portuguese (from Germanic) · Gender: usually a boy's name
Origin & history
The Spanish and Portuguese form of Charles, from Germanic karl, 'free man'. Many kings of Spain and Portugal bore it.
Famous people named Carlos
- Carlos Santana (guitarist)
- Carlos Alcaraz (tennis player)
Nicknames
Carlitos
Variants & related names
Charles, Carl, Carlo
Carlos name art
A free preview of a printable “Carlos” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Carlos mean?
Carlos means “free man (form of Charles)”. It comes from Spanish / Portuguese (from Germanic).
Is Carlos a popular name?
Yes — Carlos has been one of the most popular boys' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.
What are nicknames for Carlos?
Carlitos.
What are other forms of Carlos?
Charles, Carl, Carlo.
Similar names
Juan · Alejandro · Miguel · Andres · Mateo · Santiago
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Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.