Carlson
A boy's name of Scandinavian origin with 742 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname originating as a patronymic, of Scandinavian origin.
Carlson is a boy's baby name of Scandinavian origin, from the Scandinavian patronymic surname meaning 'son of Carl' — Carl itself from the Old Norse karl (free man, man), related to the Germanic Karl (Charles).
With over 700 recorded births, Carlson has the distinguished quality of a Scandinavian surname used as a given name. It carries the heritage of the great Scandinavian naming tradition of patronymics — a son became literally 'Carl's son,' anchoring identity in family lineage. Tucker Carlson, the political commentator, and the classic Swedish children's character Karlsson-on-the-Roof have given the name both contemporary and literary associations.
EtymologyShow more
Though Carlson dates back to 1920 in U.S. records, its etymological path is not always straightforward. Names that predate modern naming databases sometimes resist easy classification — they may have been oral traditions, regional family names, or adaptations that were never systematically recorded. The Scandinavian classification provides a starting point, but the full derivation likely involves more nuance than a single label can capture.
Carlson’s 742 recorded births provide enough of a footprint to establish it as a real, chosen name in American culture — not a typo or a one-off, but a deliberate selection by hundreds of families.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Carlson was #5858 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #6212, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 46 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 133 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 117 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 92 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 54 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 47 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 53 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 72 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 64 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 23 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 41 | — |
The Story of Carlson
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2016, Carlson is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Carlson are most likely born between 2006 and 2024.
How rare is Carlson?
Only about 1 in every 257,143 babies born in 2024 was named Carlson — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1920, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2010s with 133 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Carlson by the numbers
- Would fill 15 school buses
- Meeting one Carlson per day would take 2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(81 years, 1920–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 | #6212 |
| 2023 | 12 | #6961 |
| 2021 | 12 | #6769 |
| 2020 | 8 | #8868 |
| 2019 | 13 | #6471 |
| 2018 | 11 | #7204 |
| 2017 | 18 | #5137 |
| 2016 | 19 | #4976 |
| 2015 | 17 | #5335 |
| 2014 | 15 | #5771 |
| 2013 | 10 | #7621 |
| 2012 | 9 | #8261 |
| 2011 | 12 | #6653 |
| 2010 | 9 | #8250 |
| 2009 | 8 | #9112 |
| 2008 | 11 | #7280 |
| 2007 | 9 | #8286 |
| 2006 | 14 | #5828 |
| 2005 | 12 | #6283 |
| 2004 | 13 | #5858 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlson a boy's or girl's name?
When was Carlson most popular?
How popular is the name Carlson?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1920–2024