Declining since 2006, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Carlitos since 1964
Babies named Carlitos per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 17 |
| 1970s | 47 |
| 1980s | 15 |
| 1990s | 99 |
| 2000s | 198 |
| 2010s | 141 |
| 2020s | 66 |
Meaning & origin
Carlitos is a warm and familiar Spanish and Portuguese diminutive of Carlos, carrying the meaning 'free man'. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1964 and experienced its peak in 2006, but has been in decline since. In 2025, it ranked 7,194 with approximately 1 in 155,280 boys receiving the name. Its trajectory reflects broader trends in Hispanic names in the U.S., where Carlitos remains a beloved choice for families seeking a classic name with a tender, diminutive ending.
Carlitos is a diminutive of Carlos, the Spanish and Portuguese form of Charles. Charles derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man'. The name has been used across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, often as a familiar or affectionate form. Its popularity in the United States reflects Hispanic cultural influence.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carl, Carlito, Lito
Variants: Carlito
Sibling names for Carlitos
Names that share Carlitos's style, for a brother or sister.
