Declining since 2012.
Popularity of Carles since 1912
Babies named Carles per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 54 |
| 1920s | 107 |
| 1930s | 105 |
| 1940s | 101 |
| 1950s | 89 |
| 1960s | 63 |
| 1970s | 54 |
| 1980s | 39 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 52 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Carles is a Catalan given name that represents the regional form of Charles, rooted in the Germanic 'free man.' Though it never entered the U.S. top 1000, it reached its peak popularity in 1928 and has been on a declining trajectory since 2012. The name has remained uncommon, with no recorded usage in recent decades high enough to register a 1-in-N rate. Its scarcity in the United States underscores its strong cultural ties to Catalonia and the Spanish-speaking world, where it retains historical significance.
Carles is the Catalan form of Charles, which ultimately derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man.' The name spread through the Carolingian dynasty and became widely used across Europe. In Catalan-speaking regions, Carles has been a traditional given name for centuries, though its usage declined in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carli, Carlito
Sibling names for Carles
Names that share Carles's style, for a brother or sister.
