Carly Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity, and Famous Namesakes

Origins of the Name Carly
If you are curious about the origins of the name Carly, you have come to the right place. In this section, we will explore the roots and cultural significance of this popular first name.
Carly as a Feminine Form of Carl
Carly is a feminine form of the name Carl. Carl is a Germanic name that means “free man.” Carly is a popular name in the United States and has been used since the 1970s. It was popularized by the American singer Carly Simon, whose music was a huge success in that decade.
German Roots and Meaning
As mentioned earlier, the name Carl has Germanic roots. It is derived from the Old Norse name Karl, which means “man.” The name was popular in Germany, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe. It was also used by the royal families of England and Scotland.
Cultural Significance
The name Carly has cultural significance in the United States. It is a popular name for girls and has been used in various TV shows and movies. It is also a name that is associated with creativity and independence, which are values that are highly prized in American culture.
In conclusion, the name Carly has Germanic roots and means “free man.” It is a popular name for girls in the United States and has cultural significance in American society.
Variations and Related Names
Variations of Carly
The name Carly has several variations that have emerged over the years. Some of the most common variations include:
- Carli
- Karlee
- Karli
- Carlie
- Carley
- Carlotta
- Carla
- Carleigh
- Carlene
- Karley
The most widely used pronunciations of Carly are KAHR-lee and car-ly. The name can also be spelled with a “K” instead of a “C”, as in “Karly” or “Karlee”.
Names Related to Carly
There are several names that are related to Carly in terms of origin and meaning. Some of these names include:
- Carl
- Carla
- Caroline
- Carol
- Carrie
- Charli
- Coral
- Karla
- Karlie
- Karoline
The name Carl, which is of German origin, means “free man” and is the male version of Carly. Caroline, Carol, and Carrie are all variations of the name Charles, which means “free man”. Charli is a modern variation of Charlie, which is a diminutive of Charles. Coral is a Spanish name that means “coral”, while Karla, Karlie, and Karoline are all variations of the name Karl, which means “free man”.
Overall, Carly is a popular and versatile name that has several variations and related names. Whether you prefer the traditional spelling or one of the newer variations, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Famous People Named Carly
If you’re considering naming your child Carly, you might be interested to know that there are many famous people who share this name. Here are a few notable Carlys from various fields.
Carly in Music
One of the most famous Carlys is singer-songwriter Carly Simon. Born in 1945, Simon rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “You’re So Vain” and “Anticipation.” She has won multiple Grammy Awards and is known for her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. Another well-known Carly in music is Carly Rae Jepsen, a Canadian singer and songwriter who gained fame with her hit song “Call Me Maybe” in 2012.
Carly in Film and Television
Carly Pope is a Canadian actress who has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including “Popular,” “The Collector,” and “Elysium.” Another Carly in film and television is Carly Rose Sonenclar, an American singer and actress who was a finalist on the second season of “The X Factor” in 2012.
Carly in Sports
Carly Gullickson is a retired American tennis player who won the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon in 2009. Carly Booth is a Scottish golfer who has won multiple tournaments on the Ladies European Tour.
Carly in Politics
Carly Fiorina is an American businesswoman and politician who was the CEO of Hewlett-Packard from 1999 to 2005. She ran for the Republican nomination for president in 2016 but ultimately dropped out of the race. Carly Snyder is an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 2017 to 2018.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people named Carly. Whether you’re a fan of music, film, sports, or politics, there’s a Carly out there who has made a name for herself in your field of interest.
Carly in Pop Culture
Carly is a name that has made its mark in pop culture through various mediums such as television shows and literature. Here are some notable mentions of Carly in pop culture:
Carly in Television Shows
One of the most popular mentions of Carly in television shows is the character Carly Shay from the hit Nickelodeon series “iCarly.” The show, which aired from 2007 to 2012, followed the lives of Carly and her friends as they created their own web show. Carly, played by Miranda Cosgrove, was known for her bubbly personality and her creative ideas for the web show.
Another mention of Carly in television shows is in the series “General Hospital.” Carly Corinthos, played by Laura Wright, is a popular character on the show. She is known for her strong personality and her ability to stand up for herself and her loved ones.
Carly in Literature
Carly also makes appearances in literature, both in fiction and non-fiction. In the novel “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green, one of the main characters, Augustus Waters, has a sister named Caroline, who goes by the nickname Carly.
In the non-fiction book “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls, Carly is the name of one of Walls’ sisters. The book recounts Walls’ experiences growing up in poverty with her unconventional family.
Overall, Carly has made its mark in pop culture through various mediums, and its popularity is likely to continue in the future.
Popularity of the Name Carly
If you’re considering naming your baby girl Carly, you might be curious about how popular the name is. Here’s a closer look at the popularity of the name Carly.
Carly as a Baby Name
Carly is a popular baby name in the United States. According to BabyCenter user data, Carly was the 653rd most popular baby girl name in 2023, up 122 spots from the previous year. The name has been consistently popular since the 1970s, when singer Carly Simon rose to fame.
Trends in Naming
The popularity of the name Carly has remained relatively consistent over the past few decades. While there have been some variations in ranking from year to year, the name has consistently remained in the top 1000 baby girl names in the United States.
Regional Popularity
The popularity of the name Carly varies by region. According to data from the Social Security Administration, the name is most popular in the Midwest and South regions of the United States. In 2022, the state of Oklahoma had the highest percentage of babies named Carly, followed by Kansas and Arkansas.
Overall, the name Carly is a popular choice for baby girls in the United States. Whether you’re drawn to the name because of its association with singer Carly Simon or simply because you like the way it sounds, it’s a name that has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice for parents.