Carlin is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the German surname Karolin, which itself is a diminutive of Caroline, meaning "strong" or "bold". The name Carlin has been used more frequently as a boy's name than a girl's in recent years, possibly due to its popularity among fictional characters and public figures.
The name first gained prominence through its association with American comedian George Carlin. Born in New York City in 1937, Carlin was renowned for his comedy albums, books, and film appearances. His notable works include "FM & AM," "Class Clown," and the controversial "Black Book." Carlin's unique brand of humor often focused on politics, religion, and observational comedy, earning him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
Another notable figure with the name Carlin is American actor Jonathan Carlin, known for his roles in various television shows and films. Born in California in 1972, Carlin has appeared in popular series such as "ER," "The Practice," and "NYPD Blue." He also starred in the feature film "Get Over It" alongside Kirsten Dunst.
In literature, Carlin appears as a character's name in several works. In J.D. Salinger's novella " Seymour: An Introduction," the protagonist's younger brother is named Carlin. Additionally, the name can be found in Stephen King's novel "The Stand," where Carlin Peterson is a minor character.
Overall, while not a widely popular given name, Carlin has left its mark on American culture through notable figures and fictional characters associated with it. Its unique origin and meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Carlin experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike in births from 1979 onwards. Between 1905 and 1962, the number of annual births ranged from single digits to a peak of 24 in 1960. However, starting in 1979, there was a marked increase, with 33 births that year. This trend continued through the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a high of 62 births in 1992. Since then, the popularity of the name Carlin has declined, with fewer than 50 births per year recorded from 1993 onwards. The most recent data shows 14 births in 2023. In total, there have been 2601 recorded births for the name Carlin since 1905.