Free man
A variant of the Germanic name Carl or Charles, it signifies a free person who was not of noble birth but held legal rights. It is often used as a surname-turned-first name, blending the classic roots of Carl with a softer, modern suffix.
Less common today
Carlen isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #6,949 in 2000.
American journalist and non-fiction writer
American professional football player
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
