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Carli
Pronounced KAR-lee /ˈkɑːr.li/High
Meaning: Feminine form of Carl, from Old High German karl meaning free man; Carli is a variant spelling of CarlyHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Like Carly and Carley, Carli derives from the Germanic karl, a word once meaning a common free man that became the royal name Charles. Feminine forms emerged informally in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century.
The -i spelling variant became fashionable in the United States from the 1980s onward, influenced by Italian name endings that struck American parents as chic. Carli Lloyd, the celebrated U.S. soccer player, brought visibility to this specific spelling in the 2010s.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Carli Lloyd (1982–present)American soccer player, two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist for the U.S. national team.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Carli mean?
Carli means free woman or strong woman, as a feminine spelling variant of Carl from Old High German karl.
How do you pronounce Carli?
It is said KAR-lee, two syllables with stress on the first, identical to Carly.
Is Carli a boy or girl name?
Carli is used as a girls' name.
How popular is Carli?
Carli is a less common spelling of Carly, most frequently seen in the United States from the 1980s onward.