CARLYLE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Carlyle

The surname Carlyle, of Scottish origin, is derived from the Old English personal name "Carl", meaning "free man". It is a habitational name for individuals from the village of Carlyle in Cumbria, England. The village's name is composed of the Old Norse elements "kárr" (a swampy place) and "lundr" (grove), indicating its geographical features.

The Carlyle family has ancient roots, with historical records tracing the name back to the 13th century in Scotland. Notably, the prominent Scottish philosopher, essayist, and historian Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) brought great renown to the surname.

Over the centuries, various branches of the Carlyle family have spread across England, Scotland, and beyond. The surname Carlyle continues to be borne by individuals worldwide, reflecting the enduring legacy of this distinguished family name.

There are approximately 1,549 people named Carlyle in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,225th most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Carlyle.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
David
James
John
Mark
Michael
Peter
Robert
Stephen
Thomas
William

Female

Amanda
Carol
Dorothy
Elizabeth
Emma
Helen
Karen
Louise
Margaret
Mary
Patricia
Sarah
Sharon
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.