A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Carlisle since 1888
Babies named Carlisle per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Carlisle's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 9 |
| 1890s | 0 | 36 |
| 1900s | 0 | 10 |
| 1910s | 0 | 188 |
| 1920s | 0 | 231 |
| 1930s | 0 | 176 |
| 1940s | 6 | 155 |
| 1950s | 0 | 108 |
| 1960s | 0 | 66 |
| 1970s | 0 | 92 |
| 1980s | 14 | 70 |
| 1990s | 115 | 76 |
| 2000s | 123 | 54 |
| 2010s | 133 | 365 |
| 2020s | 76 | 226 |
Meaning & origin
Carlisle is an English place name with a long history, first recorded as a personal name in the United States in 1888. It reached its peak popularity in 1893, but after a period of decline, it has been rising again since 2005. The name is notably most popular in North Carolina, where it ranks highest among states. As a surname-turned-given-name, Carlisle carries a dignified, classic feel and offers the friendly nicknames Carl or Lyle. Its revival in recent years reflects a broader trend toward traditional and place-derived names.
Carlisle is a place name derived from the ancient British (Celtic) name of the settlement, likely meaning 'walled city' or 'fort of the god Lugus.' The name was recorded as Luguvalium in Roman times, later evolving through Old English and Old Norse influences to Carleol and eventually Carlisle. It has been used as a personal name since the 19th century, often as a surname transferred to given name.
Where Carlisle is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carl, Lyle
Sibling names for Carlisle
Names that share Carlisle's style, for a brother or sister.
