Carly

The name Carly is a unisex name with various historical and cultural references. It is a diminutive form of the name Carl, which originated from the Germanic language. Carl, in turn, is derived from the Old Norse name Karl, meaning "free man" or "manly." As a result, Carly can be interpreted as "little Carl" or "small free man."

Carly has gained popularity as a given name in recent years, particularly among English-speaking countries. It first emerged in the United States during the late 19th century and gained more prominence in the early 20th century. One possible reason for its growing popularity is its association with the character Carly Shay from the popular television show "iCarly," which aired from 2007 to 2012.

Due to its nature as a short and melodious name, Carly has been widely embraced by parents looking for a relatively modern and unique name for their children. It works well as both a given name and a nickname for longer names such as Caroline or Carlotta. Carly is commonly used as a first name for baby girls, but it can also be given to boys, although less frequently.

As a name, Carly has a lively and friendly sound, making it suitable for individuals who possess cheerful and outgoing personalities. Carly can also evoke feelings of strength and independence, due to its historical meaning of "free man." The name's versatility and adaptability have contributed to its continued popularity in modern culture.