All about the name

Carlyon

Female

« Carlyon is a Cornish name derived from the village of Carlyon near St Austell, meaning "settlement of the free men" or "settlement of the warriors. »

#11367 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Carlyon is a name of Cornish origin, deriving from the village of Carlyon near St Austell in Cornwall, England. The name itself is believed to have originated from the Old English word "carl" meaning "free man" or "warrior," and the suffix "-ing," which denotes association with a place or tribe. Therefore, Carlyon could be interpreted as meaning "settlement of the free men" or "settlement of the warriors." The village of Carlyon was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was listed as Carileghune. Over time, the name evolved through various spellings such as Kerlion and Carlyllon before settling on Carlyon. Historically, the Carlyon family has been prominent in Cornish history. The earliest recorded instance of the family is in the 13th century when they held lands in Cornwall. They were involved in local politics and held various positions of authority, including that of knight and sheriff. The most notable member of the family was Sir Henry Carlyon (1574-1629), who served as a Member of Parliament for St Germans and was knighted by King James I. Today, Carlyon is still predominantly found in Cornwall and among people of Cornish descent. It is also used as a given name, particularly for girls, although it has traditionally been more common as a surname. Despite its historic significance, Carlyon remains relatively uncommon compared to other names of Cornish origin such as Jenkins or Williams. In conclusion, Carlyon is a name with deep roots in Cornish history and culture. Its meaning reflects the strength and courage associated with warriors, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a unique and meaningful name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Carlyon since 1880

Total births
513
Total since 1880
Peak year
1946
26 births
in 1973
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years