Origin and Meaning of Carly

Meaning & Origin

Free man, charming

Origin: English - Carly is a modern English feminine form of the name Carl, which is derived from the Old German name Karl, meaning 'man' or 'free man'.

Interesting Facts

  • Carly emerged as a popular name in the 20th century and has been used predominantly in English-speaking countries.
  • In the United States, Carly is often seen as a name that combines femininity with a sense of strength and independence.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Carly Rae Jepsen, a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her hit 'Call Me Maybe', and Carly Simon, an American singer-songwriter.
  • Carly saw significant popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, peaking in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Variations of the name include Carlie, Karlie, and Karly, which all carry similar meanings.