Declining since 2007, #4,707 for boys today.
Popularity of Carlito since 1964
Babies named Carlito per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 27 |
| 1970s | 48 |
| 1980s | 42 |
| 1990s | 218 |
| 2000s | 475 |
| 2010s | 440 |
| 2020s | 102 |
Meaning & origin
Carlito is a Spanish diminutive of Carlos, meaning 'free man'. It first appeared in US records in 1964 and saw its highest rank of 4707 in 2006, with an incidence of 1 in 81,337 births in 2025. Since 2007, its popularity has been falling, reflecting a broader trend away from diminutives as first names. Though it lacks strong regional ties, its warmth and cross-cultural appeal keep it in use. As a name that straddles nickname and given name, Carlito offers a distinctive yet approachable choice for parents seeking a link to Spanish heritage.
Carlito is a Spanish diminutive of Carlos, which derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man'. The name has been used in Spanish-speaking cultures as an affectionate form, akin to 'Charlie' in English. While primarily a nickname, it gained usage as an independent given name in the United States from the mid-20th century onward.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carl, Lito, Carlo
Variants: Carlitos
Sibling names for Carlito
Names that share Carlito's style, for a brother or sister.
