Son of Carl; son of a free man
An English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Carl'. The root name Carl is derived from the Germanic word 'karal', which refers to a free man who was not part of the nobility but held legal rights.
Less common today
Carlson isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #4,451 in 1998.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
American actress and director
Grandmaster of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
