Carl vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Carl

Boy #1,035 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"free man"

Origin: Old High German 'karl'

Cultural Roots

English American German Scandinavian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,035
Total SSA Count
215
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Carl →

Popularity Comparison

Carl Rank #1,035
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #1035 for Carl.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Carl ___

  • Carl James
  • Carl Edward
  • Carl Thomas
  • Carl Frederick
  • Carl William
  • Carl Anthony

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Carl

Ernest Walter Harold Dorothy Mildred

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carl or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Carl at #1035 in the United States.

What do Carl and Theodore mean?

Carl means "free man" (Old High German 'karl' origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Carl and Theodore boy or girl names?

Carl is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Carl ← Full profile: Theodore Browse all baby names