Billy vs Carl

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Billy

Boy #1,051 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"resolute protector"

Origin: Old German via Norman French

English American Australian Irish

✓ All Clear

Boy #1,035 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"free man"

Origin: Old High German 'karl'

English American German Scandinavian

✓ All Clear

Billy Rank #1,051

Carl Rank #1,035

Carl is more popular, ranked #1035 vs #1051 for Billy.

Is Billy or Carl more popular?

Carl is more popular, ranked #1035 compared to Billy at #1051 in the United States.

What do Billy and Carl mean?

Billy means "resolute protector" (Old German via Norman French origin). Carl means "free man" (Old High German 'karl' origin).

Are Billy and Carl boy or girl names?

Billy is primarily a boy name. Carl is primarily a boy name.