Declining since 1993, #2,607 for girls today.
Popularity of Karly since 1972
Babies named Karly per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 344 |
| 1980s | 1,424 |
| 1990s | 3,666 |
| 2000s | 3,072 |
| 2010s | 1,923 |
| 2020s | 437 |
Meaning & origin
Karly entered the U.S. naming record in 1972 and climbed to a peak rank in 1993. Since then, its usage has been steadily falling. In 2025, the name ranked 2,607, meaning approximately 1 in 24,353 newborn girls received the name. Spelled with a 'K' rather than a 'C', Karly reflects a modern preference for phonetic distinctiveness. It was most popular in states like Tennessee, New York, and Texas, suggesting a broad geographic appeal. While not among the most common names, Karly has maintained a consistent presence for over five decades.
Karly is a modern spelling variant of Carly, which itself is a feminine form of Carl. Carl derives from the Old German element 'karl', meaning 'free man'. The name gained popularity as a diminutive of Caroline or Charlotte in English-speaking countries, with the 'K' spelling emerging in the late 20th century as a distinctive phonetic variant.
Where Karly 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kar, Lee, Kiki
Sibling names for Karly
Names that share Karly's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Karly
Names whose popularity has moved with Karly's over the last 50 years.
