Carlos
Meaning of Carlos
Carlos drifts across history like the lingering strum of a flamenco guitar—born from the sturdy Germanic root “Karl,” meaning “free man,” polished by Latin tongues into a name that rolls off the palate as KAHR-lohs and glows with Iberian sunlight. It first rode into legend on the capes of medieval kings—San Carlos Borromeo in Catholic lore, the bold Bourbon monarchs of Spain and Portugal—and later found fresh rhythm in artists such as guitarist Carlos Santana, humanitarian innovators like magnate Carlos Slim, and silver-screen storytellers from Madrid to Monterrey. In every era, the name keeps the promise of libertad: a spirit unpinned to borders, equally at home echoing through cathedral courtyards, Caribbean ballparks, or the vibrant barrios of Los Angeles where, year after year, thousands of newborn boys inherit its confident cadence. Woven from royal velvet yet cut for everyday wear, Carlos stands as a warm, sun-kissed invitation to live freely, love deeply, and carry forward a lineage whose heart beats to a timeless Latin rhythm.
Pronunciation
Spanish
- Pronunced as KAHR-lohs (/ˈkar.loz/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Carlos
| Carlos Ghosn is a prominent businessman and former auto executive who led Michelin North America, Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, and AvtoVAZ. |
| Carlos Tevez is an Argentine former versatile forward and current head coach of Primera Division club Talleres. |
| Carlos Santana, a Mexican-born American guitarist and founder of Santana, pioneered rock and Latin jazz fusion in the late 60s and 70s and saw a major comeback in the late 90s. |
| Mexican magnate Carlos Slim Helu built his fortune through Grupo Carso, was the world’s richest from 2010 to 2013, and as of July 2025 ranks 18th globally with a net worth of 99.1 billion US dollars, making him the richest in Latin America. |
| Puerto Rican MLB shortstop and third baseman Carlos Javier Correa Oppenheimer Jr. plays for the Houston Astros, was the first overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft, and previously played for the Minnesota Twins. |
| Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz Garfia is the ATP world number one and the 2022 year end number one, with 23 singles titles including six majors, two each at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. |
| Carlos Delgado is a Puerto Rican former MLB first baseman and coach most notably with the Toronto Blue Jays, a 1993 World Series champion, two time All Star, three time Silver Slugger, 2000 Hank Aaron Award winner, and 2003 AL RBI leader. |
| Carlos Valderrama, known as El Pibe, is a Colombian former attacking midfielder and Futbol de Primera commentator, widely regarded as one of the greatest in South America and named by Pele to the 2004 FIFA 100. |
| Carlos Monsiváis - Carlos Monsivais Aceves was a celebrated Mexican writer and public intellectual whose award winning essays and columns chronicled modern Mexico, challenged the long ruling PRI, and made him a prominent left leaning voice on radio and TV. |
| Carlos Bocanegra is an American former defender and sports executive who captained the United States over 100 times, won MLS Defender of the Year twice, played across Europe, and later served as Atlanta United technical director and vice president. |
| Carlos Chávez - Carlos Chavez was a Mexican composer and conductor who drew on indigenous traditions, best known for Sinfonia india featuring Yaqui percussion. |
| Carlos Vives is a Colombian singer, songwriter and actor. |
| Carlos Saldanha is a Brazilian animator and filmmaker behind Ice Age and Rio, a Blue Sky Studios collaborator until 2021 with Oscar nominations for Gone Nutty and Ferdinand. |
| Carlos Ruiz Zafón - Carlos Ruiz Zafon was a Spanish novelist best known for his 2001 novel La sombra del viento, which sold 15 million copies, won numerous awards, and in 2007 was named among the 100 best Spanish books of the past 25 years. |
