Carly

KAR-lee
Meaning: Derived from Caroline, meaning 'free man' or 'strong, manly'.
Gender
Girl
Origin
Old English, Latin (via Caroline), Celtic
Popularity Rank
#784 (girls)
#1521 (overall)

Popularity Summary

Carly has enjoyed steady popularity over the decades, especially in English-speaking countries, appreciated for its cheerful and upbeat vibe.

Why Parents Choose Carly

Parents often choose Carly for its friendly, approachable sound, modern feel, and its connection to classic names like Caroline, giving it a timeless yet fresh appeal.

History & Cultural Significance

Originally a diminutive of Caroline, Carly became a standalone name in the 20th century, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. It reflects a casual, modern twist on traditional names and has been embraced in pop culture, making it a familiar and cheerful choice for girls.

Carly gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, often associated with friendly, approachable personalities.

Notable People Named Carly

  • Carly Simon, renowned singer-songwriter
  • Carly Rae Jepsen, pop singer famous for 'Call Me Maybe'
  • Carly Fiorina, American businesswoman and politician

Name Variations

Carlee Carli Karly

Related Names

Caroline Carol Carrie

Similar Sounding Names

Barry Kelly Harley

Names with Similar Feel

Sibling Name Ideas

Pop Culture References

  • Carly on the TV show 'iCarly'
  • Carly from 'The Carly Simon Songbook'
  • Carly in various movies and children's books