Carlos
/ˈkaɾlos/
noun
Origin
Proto-Germanic
*karilaz — free man
Overview
Meaning Now
- A masculine given name of Germanic origin, equivalent to Charles.
Literal older meaning
free man
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old Frankish → Spanish
Earliest form
Karl
Earliest period
8th century
Journey
The name originates from the Germanic root 'karl' (man/free man). Through the Latinized version 'Carolus', it became associated with Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus) and spread throughout Europe, eventually becoming 'Carlos' in Spanish and Portuguese cultures.
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*karilaz
“free man”
- Old Frankish
Karl
“man, husband”
- Old Spanish
Carles
“masculine name”
- Spanish
Carlos
“masculine name”
developed from the Latinized form Carolus
Connections
Word parts
Carl
root
free man
-os
ending
masculine singular
Related across languages
English
Charles
free man
German
Karl
free man
French
Charles
free man
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Related to Carlos
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.