NameChart

Carlisle

Unisex

Carlisle has been given to 2,329 babies in the U.S. since 1888. It peaked in 2010. In 2025, about 1 in 47,447 boys was named Carlisle.

Meaning & origin /kɑːɹˈlaɪl/

API From Middle English Carlele, from Middle English Carleol, Carleul, from Cumbric (compare Caer Ligualid in the Historia Brittonum, Middle Welsh Caer Liwelydd, Welsh Caerliwelydd, all suffixed with -ydd), composed of Proto-Brythonic *kaɨr (“fort”) + Proto-Brythonic (> Latin Luguvalium), from Proto-Celtic *Luguwalos (personal name, literally “strength of Lugus”), from *Lugus + *walos (“strength”). The absence of a suffix comparable to Welsh -ydd in the underlying Cumbric form is unexplained; see w:Cumbric/Absence of -ydd.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Popularity over time births per year, 1880–2025

012243547 18801900192019401960198020002020 Girls Boys
Hover or tap the chart to read any year.

Total babies

2,329

Peak year

2010 (62 babies)

Rank in 2025

Below top 1000

First recorded

1888

10-year trend

▼ -8%

Gender split

20% girls / 80% boys

Names with a similar vibe

Same primary gender, peaked around the same years, and roughly as common as Carlisle.

FAQ

How popular is the name Carlisle?

Carlisle has been given to 2,329 babies in the U.S. since 1888. It ranked below the top 1000 in 2025.

When did the name Carlisle peak?

Carlisle peaked in 2010, when 62 babies were given the name.

Is Carlisle a girl or boy name?

Carlisle is a unisex name, used for both girls and boys.

Get new name insights first

Occasional updates when we add new data & tools. No spam, unsubscribe anytime by replying to any email or writing to hello@zalize.com.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy. We store only your email address and the date you signed up.