Carlos is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #150 in 2025 with 2,418 recorded births. This places Carlos in the top 1% of ranked US boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Moderately Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 2001 with 6,842 births ranking #59. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 55.7%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 706 boys born was named Carlos. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Charles and is linked with manliness and freedom. It has a warm, established international presence and a very long naming history.
The name spread widely across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds and remains one of the most recognisable classic choices there. Its history is tied to royal, religious, and everyday family use.