Carlisle is a name of English origin that has a long and rich history. It is derived from the Old English words "carol" meaning strong or bold, and "leah" which signifies a wooded area or clearing. Therefore, the name Carlisle means "strong wooded clearing."
The surname Carlisle originated in Northumbria, a historic region located in Northeast England, and it was brought to America by English settlers in the 17th century. One of the earliest records of the name in America is from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where Richard Carlisle arrived in 1630.
Carlisle has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. For instance, the city of Carlisle in Cumbria, England, was founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and named after his family name, which was Carlile or Carlisle. Additionally, the Earls of Carlisle are a long-standing noble family in England, with their lineage tracing back to the 12th century.
In literature, the name Carlisle has been used as a character name in several works. In "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer, one of the main characters is named Carlisle Cullen, who is a vampire and a doctor. This character has contributed to the recent increase in popularity of the name Carlisle among parents choosing names for their children.
Overall, Carlisle is a strong and unique name with a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Its meaning adds depth to its appeal, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a distinctive name with powerful roots.
The name Carlisle has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics provided. The earliest year for which data is available is 1888, with 9 births recorded that year.
In the early to mid-20th century, there were several fluctuations in the number of babies named Carlisle each year. For instance, between 1915 and 1917, there was a significant increase, with 29 births each year for those three years. This high level of popularity persisted until around 1934, when the numbers began to decline.
The 1940s and 1950s saw a steady decrease in the number of babies named Carlisle, with fewer than 20 births per year after 1947. This trend continued into the 1960s, with some years seeing only single-digit numbers of newborns bearing this name.
However, since the late 1980s, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Carlisle. Starting from 1988 with 11 births, the number of babies named Carlisle has steadily increased over time. This trend continued into the early 21st century, with a significant spike in 2010, when 41 babies were named Carlisle.
More recently, the popularity of the name has remained relatively high, with over 30 births recorded each year from 2012 to 2023. The most recent data shows that in 2023, there were 34 babies named Carlisle in the United States.
In total, between 1888 and 2023, there have been 1790 births of children named Carlisle in the United States. This data reflects the evolving trends in naming practices over more than a century.