Carlito is a Spanish diminutive form of the name Carlos, which itself derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man." The name gained popularity during the 8th century when Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, was bestowed the name Carolus Magnus, Latin for Charles the Great. His reign and conquests helped spread the name across Europe.

The earliest recorded use of the name Carlito can be traced back to the 13th century in parts of Spain and Portugal. It is a diminutive form, often used as a nickname or term of endearment for someone named Carlos. The suffix "-ito" is a common Spanish diminutive ending.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Carlito was Carlito Brigante, a 14th-century Italian nobleman and military leader from Narni, Italy. He was known for his service under Pope Innocent VI during the Papal States' conflicts with Milan.

In the 16th century, Carlito Caravaggio, an Italian painter from the city of Caravaggio, gained recognition for his revolutionary naturalistic style and dramatic use of light and shadow. His works, such as The Calling of Saint Matthew and Bacchus, are considered masterpieces of the Baroque period.

During the 17th century, Carlito Vieira de Figueredo, a Portuguese poet and playwright, made significant contributions to the development of theater in his native country. His most famous work, El Príncipe Constante, is a tragicomedy that explores themes of loyalty and honor.

In the 18th century, Carlito Allioni, an Italian botanist and physician, was renowned for his extensive research on the flora of Piedmont, Italy. He authored several influential works, including the Auctarium ad Floram Pedemontanam and Rariorum Pedemontii Stirpium.

Another notable figure with the name Carlito was Carlito Rojas, a Venezuelan military leader and patriot who played a crucial role in the Venezuelan War of Independence against Spain in the early 19th century. He fought alongside Simón Bolívar and was instrumental in several key battles that led to Venezuela's independence.