Karli
Below 5 births
2025 SSA
About Karli
Karli as a masculine name represents an unusual gender assignment for what is more commonly recognized as a feminine name in English-speaking countries. This form is typically a feminine diminutive of Karl/Carl or a variation of Karly/Carlie. In Germanic contexts, Karl means 'free man' or 'strong man,' making its derivatives traditionally masculine in origin despite modern feminine usage. In some Scandinavian and German-speaking regions, Karli might still be used as a male nickname or diminutive form. The masculine usage of Karli in English contexts is exceptionally rare, though the trend toward using traditionally feminine-ending names for boys has increased slightly in recent decades. When used for boys, the name carries the strong etymological roots of Karl while presenting a softer, more contemporary sound.
Karli for girls#2708 US
Karli is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from the name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong and manly.' As a feminine variant, Karli adds a soft ending to create a more feminine feel while maintaining the strong roots of its origin. The name gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, often seen as a modern alternative to more traditional names like Karly or Carlie. Karli has a youthful, friendly sound that appeals to parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and approachable. While never reaching the highest ranks of popular names, it maintains a steady presence, appreciated for its blend of strength and femininity.
Pronounced KAR-lee.
As of October 2026, Karli ranked #2708 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #559 in 1994.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #1,258 | 192 | 107.5 |
| 2015 | #1,289 | 187 | 104.8 |
| 2016 | #1,531 | 148 | 83.5 |
| 2017 | #1,610 | 135 | 78.2 |
| 2018 | #1,822 | 112 | 65.8 |
| 2019 | #1,995 | 97 | 57.8 |
| 2020 | #1,888 | 102 | 63.1 |
| 2021 | #2,177 | 86 | 52.4 |
| 2022 | #2,218 | 85 | 51.8 |
| 2023 | #2,344 | 78 | 48.6 |
| 2024 | #2,981 | 55 | 33.9 |
| 2025 | #2,708 | 64 | 39.8 |
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