Rising since 1987, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Karlo since 1959
Babies named Karlo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 82 |
| 1980s | 115 |
| 1990s | 148 |
| 2000s | 272 |
| 2010s | 254 |
| 2020s | 178 |
Meaning & origin
Karlo is a distinctively Slavic variant of the classic Charles, firmly established within Balkan naming traditions but still relatively rare in the United States. Since its first recorded U.S. appearance in 1959, the name has followed a consistent upward trajectory, rising from obscurity to a rank of 3,658 in 2025. Its peak popularity came in 2010, and it has been climbing steadily since 1987, reflecting growing interest in cross-cultural names. Karlo is most common in Texas and California, states with large Croatian and Slavic diaspora populations, though its appeal extends to parents seeking a familiar yet uncommon alternative to Charles or Carlo.
Karlo is a Croatian and Slavic form of 'Charles', which derives from the Germanic 'karlaz' meaning 'free man'. The name entered Slavic languages through the influence of the Holy Roman Empire and has been used in Croatia, Slovenia, and other Balkan regions for centuries. In the United States, Karlo has seen modest use since the mid-20th century, particularly among families of Slavic heritage.
Where Karlo is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Karli, Lo, K
Sibling names for Karlo
Names that share Karlo's style, for a brother or sister.
