The name Carly has been a popular choice for baby girls for several decades. It is derived from the name Carl, which means “free man” in Latin. Carly is a feminine form of Carl and has been popularized by singer Carly Simon in the 1970s.
According to Nameberry, Carly has several creative spellings, such as Carli and Karlee, but the original form remains the most popular. The name has been most popular in the UK, Canada, and Australia in the 1980s and in the United States during the 1990s. Over 2,000 American baby girls were named Carly each year between 1991 and 1998.
Origin of the Name Carly
Etymology
The name Carly is derived from the Germanic name Carl, which means “free man”. The name was originally used as a nickname for someone who was free-spirited and independent. Over time, the name evolved into a given name for both boys and girls.
Historical Usage
The name Carly gained popularity in the United States in the 1990s, with over 2,000 American baby girls being named Carly each year between 1991 and 1998. The name was also popular in the UK, Canada, and Australia in the 1980s.
In Scotland, the surname Carly can be traced back to ancient times, with some sources claiming that the family held a seat in Ayrshire before the Norman Conquest in 1066. The Carly family crest features a stag’s head, which symbolizes strength and independence.
Overall, the name Carly has a strong association with freedom and independence, which may be why it has remained popular over the years.
Meaning of Carly
In English
Carly is a popular feminine given name of English origin. The name is derived from the masculine name Carl, which means “free man” or “manly”. Carly is a diminutive form of Carl, and it means “little womanly one” or “free woman”.
The name Carly first gained popularity in the United States during the 1990s and peaked in the early 2000s. Carly Simon, a famous American singer-songwriter, helped popularize the name with her hit song “You’re So Vain” in the 1970s.
In Other Cultures
While Carly is predominantly used in English-speaking countries, it has also gained popularity in other cultures. In Latin, Carly means “free woman”. In German, it means “free” or “strong”.
In recent years, the name Carly has become increasingly popular in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is also a popular name choice for baby girls in New Zealand.
Overall, the name Carly has a strong and confident meaning with a touch of femininity. It is a timeless name that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for parents around the world.
Popularity of the Name Carly
Carly is a popular name for baby girls in the United States. According to BabyCenter user data, Carly was ranked #1696 in popularity in 2023, which is a decrease of 927 from the previous year. It is interesting to note that the popularity of the name Carly has been fluctuating in recent years.
The name Carly first gained popularity in the 1970s, thanks to the singer Carly Simon. Since then, the name has remained a popular choice for parents looking for a feminine version of the name Carl. While the name Carly is still a popular choice, some parents are opting for alternative spellings, such as Carli, Karlee, and Karly.
Here are some additional facts about the popularity of the name Carly:
- In 2020, the name Carly was ranked #473 in popularity in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration.
- The name Carly is most commonly given to baby girls in the states of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.
- The name Carly is often associated with the character Carly Shay from the popular Nickelodeon TV show iCarly.
Overall, the name Carly is a timeless and popular choice for parents looking for a feminine name with a strong meaning.
Famous People Named Carly
Carly is a name that has been used by many notable individuals in various fields. Here are some of the most famous people named Carly:
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Carly Simon: Carly Simon is an American singer-songwriter known for her hits such as “You’re So Vain” and “Nobody Does It Better.” She was born in 1945 and rose to fame in the 1970s. Simon has won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994.
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Carly Fiorina: Carly Fiorina is an American businesswoman and political figure. She was the CEO of Hewlett-Packard from 1999 to 2005 and was the first woman to lead a Fortune 50 company. Fiorina also ran for the Republican nomination for president in 2016.
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Carly Patterson: Carly Patterson is a retired American gymnast who won the all-around gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. She also won silver medals in the balance beam and team events.
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Carly Rae Jepsen: Carly Rae Jepsen is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her hit song “Call Me Maybe.” She was born in 1985 and has released multiple albums and singles since her debut in 2008.
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Carly Chaikin: Carly Chaikin is an American actress known for her roles in the TV series “Suburgatory” and “Mr. Robot.” She was born in 1990 and has also appeared in films such as “The Last Song” and “Social Animals.”
These are just a few examples of the many famous people named Carly. The name has been used by individuals in various fields, including music, business, sports, and entertainment.
Variations of the Name Carly
Carly is a name that has a few variations that parents might consider when naming their baby girl. Here are some of the most popular variations of the name Carly:
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Carlie: This variation of Carly is a popular alternative spelling that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a cute and unique way to spell the name.
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Karly: This variation of Carly is another popular alternative spelling. It is a fun and modern way to spell the name and is perfect for parents who want to give their baby girl a unique name.
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Carleigh: This variation of Carly is a more unusual spelling. It adds an extra syllable to the name and gives it a more feminine and elegant feel.
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Carlee: This variation of Carly is a simple and straightforward spelling that is easy to pronounce and spell. It is a great option for parents who want a name that is easy to remember and spell.
Overall, the variations of the name Carly offer parents a range of options to choose from when naming their baby girl. Whether they want a unique spelling or a more traditional one, there is a variation of the name Carly that will fit their needs.