| Meaning | free man, manly |
| Origin | German, Portuguese, Spanish |
| Gender | gender neutral |
| Opposite gender | Carlos |
| Popularity | Popular |
| Length | 6 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Car-los |
Robust, warm, and internationally beloved, this name carries the perfect combination of strength and approachability. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it an excellent choice in our interconnected world, being instantly recognizable and easily pronounced across multiple languages and continents. The name has maintained steady popularity for generations, proving its timeless quality and universal appeal. Parents selecting this choice often appreciate its familiar comfort combined with its dignified presence—it's neither too common nor too unusual, striking an ideal balance. The strong consonants give it masculine authority, while the open vowels provide warmth and accessibility. In professional contexts, it carries respectability and substance; in casual settings, it feels friendly and welcoming. The name has been borne by kings, artists, scientists, and everyday heroes, providing varied positive associations without being overwhelmingly tied to any single figure. It offers natural nickname possibilities while working beautifully in its full form. For families wanting a name with proven staying power, international versatility, and broad appeal—something that will serve their son well in any context, any country, any career path—this classic choice delivers reliability, warmth, and enduring charm.
| Carl |
| Los |
| Carly |
| Charlie |
| Carlo |
| Carlos Santana | Renowned Mexican-American musician |
| Carlos Slim | Mexican business magnate and philanthropist |
| Carlos PenaVega | American actor and singer |
| Carlos Vives | Colombian singer-songwriter and actor |
| Carlos Tevez | Argentine professional footballer |
| Carlos Gardel | Legendary Argentine tango singer and actor |
| Carlos Sainz Jr. | Spanish Formula One racing driver |
| Carlos Moya | Spanish former professional tennis player |
| Carlos Ghosn | Brazilian-Lebanese-French businessman and former CEO of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance |
| Carlos Valderrama | Colombian former professional footballer |
| Carlos Queiroz | Portuguese football coach |
| Carlos Reygadas | Mexican filmmaker |
| Carlos D'Alessio | French film composer |
| Carlos Pratts | American actor |
| Carlos Monzón | Argentine former professional boxer |
| Carlos Ruiz Zafón | Spanish novelist |
| Carlos Castaneda | American author and anthropologist |
| Carlos Alberto | Brazilian former professional footballer |
| Carlos Mencia | Honduran-American comedian and actor |
| Carlos Ponce | Puerto Rican actor, singer, and television host |
| Carlos Solis | A character from the TV series "Desperate Housewives" |
| Carlos Oliveira | A character from the video game series "Resident Evil" |
| Carlos De Vil | A character from the Disney film "Descendants" |
| Carlos Garcia | A character from the TV series "Big Time Rush" |
| Carlos Madrigal | A character from the TV series "From Dusk Till Dawn" |
| Carlos the Jackal | A fictionalized version of the Venezuelan terrorist Ilich Ramírez Sánchez |
| Carlos Ramirez | A character from the video game series "Grand Theft Auto" |
| Carlos Fuentes | A character from the book "Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire |
| Carlos Blackwood | A character from the book "The Passage" by Justin Cronin |
| Carlos Hernandez | A character from the TV series "Magic City" |
| Carlos Rivera | A character from the TV series "Hustle" |
| Carlos 'Cougar' Alvarez | A character from the movie "The Losers" |
| Carlos Rivas | A character from the TV series "The Shield" |
| Carlos Fonnegra | A character from the TV series "Continuum" |
| Carlos | A character from the video game series "Saints Row" |
| Carlos Gutierrez | A character from the TV series "Ozark" |
| Carlos | A character from the TV series "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" |
| Carlos | A character from the TV series "Young & Hungry" |
| Carlos | A character from the movie "The Hangover" |
| Carlos | A character from the movie "The Jackal" |