Declining since 1996, #1,008 for girls today.
Popularity of Carly since 1951
Babies named Carly per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 24 |
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 2,980 |
| 1980s | 12,475 |
| 1990s | 22,791 |
| 2000s | 16,688 |
| 2010s | 9,300 |
| 2020s | 2,201 |
Meaning & origin
Carly entered the U.S. naming scene in 1951 and enjoyed a steady rise, reaching its peak popularity in 1995. Since then, however, it has been on a gradual decline, with a trajectory that shows it falling in usage from 1996 onward. In 2025, the name ranks 1008 and is given to about 1 in every 6,481 baby girls. Carly's strongest regional associations include the states of Oklahoma, Ohio, and Maryland. The name fits a pattern of feminine nicknames-turned-standalone names that flourished in the late 20th century, alongside similar forms like Karly and Carlee. Its Germanic root lends it a straightforward meaning of 'free woman', which has contributed to its enduring appeal for parents seeking a simple, spunky name with a sense of independence.
Carly is a feminine given name derived from Carl, the English form of the Germanic 'karl' meaning 'free man'. It emerged as a modern coinage in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names like Marley and the fashion for -ly endings. Carly gained traction in the United States from the 1950s onward, peaking in the 1990s before declining in recent years.
Where Carly is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Carly” around the world
Where Carly lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Car, Caz
Sibling names for Carly
Names that share Carly's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Carly
Names whose popularity has moved with Carly's over the last 50 years.
