Carlos
Carlos is the Spanish form of Charles, from the Germanic "karl" — meaning free man. The name has been used in Spanish-speaking countries since the medieval period. Carlos I of Spain (1500-1558) was also Holy Roman Emperor Charles V — one of the most powerful rulers in European history. The name has been continuously popular in Spanish-speaking countries for centuries. Carlos has been in the US top 300 most years since 1970, sustained by the growing Latino population. Carlos Santana (born 1947), the Mexican-American guitarist whose "Abraxas" (1970) is one of the greatest rock albums, is the most famous bearer. Carlos (the writer Carlos Fuentes, 1928-2012, whose "The Death of Artemio Cruz" (1962) is a landmark of Latin American literature) gave the name literary prestige. I find Carlos has a warm, slightly Spanish quality — the "C" opening is firm, the "r" gives it weight, and the "os" ending gives it openness. Carlos is one of the most internationally successful Spanish names. Carlos is a male name of Spanish / Germanic origin that means "Free man (Spanish form of Charles)". Warm, Spanish, and accomplished. The name sounds expressive. Carloses tend to be artistic. US top 300 since 1970s. Well-known people named Carlos include Carlos Santana (musician), Carlos Fuentes (author), Carlos I of Spain (Charles V), Carlos (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Carlos include Charles (English form), Carlo (Italian), Karl (German), Carlitos (diminutive).