Carlo is an Italian male given name derived from the Latin name Carolus, which means "freeholder" or "strong". This name has a long and rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages.
The name Carlo was first used as a personal name in the southern regions of Italy during the early medieval period. It became more widespread throughout the country during the reign of the Carolingian Empire, which lasted from the 8th to the 10th century. The most famous bearer of this name was Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, who ruled over much of Western Europe during this time.
Over the centuries, Carlo has been used by numerous Italian royals and nobles. Some notable figures include Carlo I, Duke of Mantua in the 16th century; Carlo II, King of Naples in the 18th century; and Carlo Alberto, King of Sardinia in the mid-19th century.
Today, Carlo remains a popular choice among Italian parents and has also gained popularity elsewhere in Europe and even beyond. Despite its historic roots, this name feels fresh and modern due to its simple and straightforward sound. Whether you're looking for a classic Italian name with deep historical significance or a contemporary choice that's easy on the ears, Carlo is a great option to consider.
The name Carlo has been quite popular among parents in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage from the early 20th century to the present day.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Carlo was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten births per year. However, it began to gain popularity around the turn of the century, with 5 births in 1894 and 6 births in 1900. This trend continued through the first decade of the 20th century, with a peak of 14 births in both 1908 and 1909.
The popularity of the name Carlo began to significantly increase during World War I, with a total of 59 births in 1913 and 112 births in 1915. This trend continued throughout the Roaring Twenties, with a peak of 167 births in 1923.
However, the popularity of the name Carlo declined during the Great Depression and World War II, with fewer than 80 births per year from 1932 to 1945. This trend continued until the late 1950s, with a low of just 73 births in 1957.
The popularity of the name Carlo began to rebound in the early 1960s, with a peak of 160 births in 1969 and 172 births in 1970. This trend continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with a peak of 230 births in 1974.
The popularity of the name Carlo has remained relatively steady since the 1990s, with an average of around 150 births per year. The highest number of births in recent years was 225 in 2007, while the lowest was just 135 in 2020.
Overall, the name Carlo has been used for a total of 15,385 births in the United States since 1894. Its popularity has waxed and waned over the past century, but it has remained a relatively common choice among parents throughout this time period.