Ryan vs Carl
Comparing Ryan and Carl? Both are popular picks for parents in 2026. Ryan ranks in the Top 100 tier and traces to Irish naming roots (meaning "Little king"). Carl sits in the Top 100 tier with Germanic origins (meaning "Free man").
Ryan
- Meaning: Little king
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity (2026): Top 100
- Full Ryan name page
Carl
- Meaning: Free man
- Origin: Germanic
- Popularity (2026): Top 100
- Full Carl name page
Which name is more popular: Ryan or Carl?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Ryan ranks higher (Top 100) than Carl (Top 100).