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Home › Baby Names Directory › Carlin

Carlin

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAR-lin /ˈkɑr.lɪn/High

Meaning: From an Irish surname, 'little champion' (from carla); also a feminine of Carl/Charles, 'free man'; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Little champion; free: Carlin is Irish/Germanic. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'KAR-lin').
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Origin LowIrish, Germanic
MeaningFrom an Irish surname, 'little champion' (from carla); also a feminine of Carl/Charles, 'free man'; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#6591 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births17 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1998
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,939

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200019202025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Carlin comes from an Irish surname, 'little champion' (from carla); it is also a feminine of Carl/Charles, 'free man' (routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a girl (slug distinguished; said 'KAR-lin').

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes. Rare, little-champion-and-free at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Carlin is variously 'little champion' (from an Irish surname) and a feminine of Carl/Charles, 'free man' — a crisp, modern name, used for both sexes (here for girls; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KAR-lin').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Carlin — unisex; routes layered

Variations

CarlynKarlinCarling

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Carlin…

Carlyn— a kin spelling
Karlin— a fellow K- spelling
Caitlin— a sound-neighbor -lin girls' name
Marlin— another -lin name

Explore names like Carlin

By themeuncertainunisexirishgermanic
By meaningFreedom

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Carlin mean?

Carlin is variously 'little champion' (Irish) and a feminine of Carl ('free man'); used for both sexes; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Carlin?

It's said KAR-lin /ˈkɑr.lɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Carlin a boy or girl name?

Carlin is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Carlin?

Carlin is a rare name in the U.S.

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