Carlyle Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Carlyle is a Scottish name derived from the Old Welsh terms for 'fortified dwelling'. It evolved through various forms from its roots in Old Welsh to its modern usage. The name is associated with traits of intelligence and prestige, with no direct biblical significance. It gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly due to the influence of notable figures such as Thomas Carlyle.
The name Carlyle is most popular in Iowa, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Carlyle has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Carlyle' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 698th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 900th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1373rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2396th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3351st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6812th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4701st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6694th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8498th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 12526th out of 12526 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12734th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15827th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 14928th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Carlyle' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Carlyle"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɑːrlaɪl/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Carlyle is derived from the place name of Carlisle, which has its roots in the Old Welsh 'caer' meaning 'fort' and 'llyl' meaning 'a dwelling'.
Meaning
Fortified dwelling
Language Evolution
Old Welsh: caer-llyl, Middle English: Carlyle, Modern English: Carlyle
Historical Usage
Carlyle became more widely used as a surname and given name in the 19th century, particularly influenced by the popularity of the Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle.
Variants & Derivatives
Carl, Carly, Carlyle
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Carlyle is viewed as a distinctive and somewhat aristocratic name, often associated with intellectualism and literary heritage.
Famous People
Thomas Carlyle - Scottish philosopher and historian, Carlyle Blackwell - American actor
Explore More Carlyle Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Carlyle"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Carlyle"
"Carlyle" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 698th of 7545 | 1,335 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 900th of 6773 | 918 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1373rd of 7552 | 606 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2396th of 10718 | 257 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3351st of 16616 | 263 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6812th of 24088 | 165 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4701st of 23106 | 250 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6694th of 9107 | 20 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8498th of 9204 | 7 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12734th of 27321 | 59 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15827th of 35406 | 69 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 14928th of 30306 | 55 |
Regional Popularity of "Carlyle" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
37.08% 525th/1416 |
42.28% 583rd/1379 |
40.66% 962nd/2366 |
76.36% 872nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
43.27% 669th/1546 |
50.84% 791st/1556 |
56.74% 1335th/2353 |
57.60% 891st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
58.24% 1297th/2227 |
45.14% 1097th/2430 |
53.38% 1523rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
47.26% 1646th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
50.15% 2244th/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Carlyle" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Carlyle"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Carlyle" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.