Charles Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Charles Name Meaning

Fact: Charles has been a popular name among royalty, including King Charles I, King Charles II, and King Charles III of England​.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Charles Overview

Meaning

Free man

Gender

Boy

Origin

Germanic

Etymology

Derived from the Germanic name Karl.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/tʃɑrlz/

Popularity

Charles is a classic name that remains popular. It ranked #46 in the US in 2023 and is widely used in English-speaking and European countries.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Classic, Vintage, Traditional, Cool, Cute

Associated Traits

Strong, dependable, charismatic

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

The name has historical significance among European royalty.

Name Day

November 4th
A Deep Dive

Charles Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Carl, Carlos, Carlo, Karl, Karol, Karel, Carles, Károly, Karolos, Charlot

Common Nicknames

Charlie, Chuck, Chaz, Chas, Carl, Chazzy, Chip, Chase, Chuckie, Chas, Charl, Charly, Char

Diminutives

Charlie, Chas, Chip, Cal

Famous People

  • Charles Darwin
    (English Biologist)
  • Charles Dickens
    (British Novelist)
  • Charles de Gaulle
    (French Politician)
  • Charles Barkley
    (American Basketball Player)
  • Prince Charles
    (British Royalty)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Charles Xavier
    ("X-Men," Film Series)
  • Prince Charles
    (King Charles III, 1948-present)
  • Charles Foster Kane
    ("Citizen Kane," Film)
  • Charles Boyle
    ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine," TV Show)
  • Charles Winchester
    ("MAS*H," TV Show)

Places

  • St. Charles Community
    (South Carolina)
  • St. Charles Township
    (Michigan)
  • Saint Charles Community
    (Georgia, USA)
  • Charles Village
    (Nord-Est, Haiti)
  • Charles Village
    (Devon, United Kingdom)

What Is the Meaning of Charles?

The name Charles means “free man.” People named Charles are often seen as strong, reliable, and independent, reflecting the qualities of freedom and leadership associated with the name​.

What Is the Origin of The Name Charles?

Charles originates from the Germanic name Karl, which means “man” or “freeman.” The name became popular in France due to the fame of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great. It was later introduced to England by the Normans and has been used widely in English-speaking countries since then​.

Charles Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Charles in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#502021#502022#542023
Top 3 Rankings#41880#41883#51881

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Charles

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202354
(-4 from 2022)
5395
(-533 from 2022)
0.29462
202250
No change from 2021
5928
(-69 from 2021)
0.31650
202150
(-4 from 2020)
5997
(-242 from 2020)
0.32008
202046
(+6 from 2019)
6239
(-163 from 2019)
0.33730
201952
(+1 from 2018)
6402
(-256 from 2018)
0.33313
201853
(-5 from 2017)
6658
(-527 from 2017)
0.34253
201748
(+4 from 2016)
7185
(+60 from 2016)
0.36304
201652
(-2 from 2015)
7125
(-78 from 2015)
0.35174
201550
(+1 from 2014)
7203
(-156 from 2014)
0.35232
201451
(+6 from 2013)
7359
(+335 from 2013)
0.35911
201357
(+5 from 2012)
7024
(+80 from 2012)
0.34760
201262
(-1 from 2011)
6944
(-40 from 2011)
0.34221
201161
(+2 from 2010)
6984
(-120 from 2010)
0.34380
201063
(+1 from 2009)
7104
(-179 from 2009)
0.34579
200964
(-1 from 2008)
7283
(-3 from 2008)
0.34339
200863
(-1 from 2007)
7286
(-165 from 2007)
0.33416
200762
(-2 from 2006)
7451
(-562 from 2006)
0.33638
200660
(-4 from 2005)
8013
(+82 from 2005)
0.36550
200556
No change from 2004
7931
(+279 from 2004)
0.37281
200456
(+1 from 2003)
7652
(-42 from 2003)
0.36208
200357
(+1 from 2002)
7694
(+486 from 2002)
0.36618
200258
(-3 from 2001)
7208
(-75 from 2001)
0.34878
200155
(-4 from 2000)
7283
(-241 from 2000)
0.35211
200051
(-1 from 1999)
7524
(-1 from 1999)
0.36029
199950
(-2 from 1998)
7525
(-323 from 1998)
0.36905
199848
(+1 from 1997)
7848
(+194 from 1997)
0.38705
199749
(-6 from 1996)
7654
(-593 from 1996)
0.38312
199643
(+1 from 1995)
8247
(-231 from 1995)
0.41158
199544
(-1 from 1994)
8478
(-539 from 1994)
0.42150
199443
(+1 from 1993)
9017
(-839 from 1993)
0.44237
199344
(-1 from 1992)
9856
(-612 from 1992)
0.47717
199243
(-5 from 1991)
10468
(-864 from 1991)
0.49867
199138
No change from 1990
11332
(-667 from 1990)
0.53461
199038
(-2 from 1989)
11999
(-248 from 1989)
0.55757
198936
(+1 from 1988)
12247
(+141 from 1988)
0.58431
198837
(-2 from 1987)
12106
(-69 from 1987)
0.60461
198735
(-1 from 1986)
12175
(-449 from 1986)
0.62429
198634
No change from 1985
12624
(-274 from 1985)
0.65692
198534
(-1 from 1984)
12898
(-45 from 1984)
0.67023
198433
No change from 1983
12943
(-270 from 1983)
0.68967
198333
(-2 from 1982)
13213
(-1098 from 1982)
0.70901
198231
No change from 1981
14311
(-116 from 1981)
0.75833
198131
(-2 from 1980)
14427
(-533 from 1980)
0.77465
198029
(-1 from 1979)
14960
(+150 from 1979)
0.80657
197928
(-1 from 1978)
14810
(-37 from 1978)
0.82676
197827
(-1 from 1977)
14847
(+105 from 1977)
0.86895
197726
No change from 1976
14742
(+820 from 1976)
0.86243
197626
(-1 from 1975)
13922
(-657 from 1975)
0.85276
197525
(-2 from 1974)
14579
(-568 from 1974)
0.89861
197423
No change from 1973
15147
(-605 from 1973)
0.92912
197323
No change from 1972
15752
(-1216 from 1972)
0.97618
197223
(-1 from 1971)
16968
(-2883 from 1971)
1.01359
197122
(-1 from 1970)
19851
(-2561 from 1970)
1.09199
197021
(-2 from 1969)
22412
(+745 from 1969)
1.17662
196919
(+1 from 1968)
21667
(+96 from 1968)
1.18453
196820
No change from 1967
21571
(+280 from 1967)
1.21497
196720
No change from 1966
21291
(-962 from 1966)
1.19651
196620
No change from 1965
22253
(-1245 from 1965)
1.22429
196520
(-3 from 1964)
23498
(-2406 from 1964)
1.24026
196417
(-1 from 1963)
25904
(-860 from 1963)
1.27793
196316
(-1 from 1962)
26764
(-819 from 1962)
1.29631
196215
(-2 from 1961)
27583
(-1614 from 1961)
1.31242
196113
No change from 1960
29197
(-468 from 1960)
1.35360
196013
(-2 from 1959)
29665
(-1129 from 1959)
1.36998
195911
No change from 1958
30794
(-1449 from 1958)
1.42139
195811
No change from 1957
32243
(-2034 from 1957)
1.49628
195711
No change from 1956
34277
(-964 from 1956)
1.56595
195611
No change from 1955
35241
(-122 from 1955)
1.64200
195511
(-1 from 1954)
35363
(-2102 from 1954)
1.69180
195410
(-1 from 1953)
37465
(-950 from 1953)
1.81066
19539
No change from 1952
38415
(-456 from 1952)
1.91863
19529
No change from 1951
38871
(-536 from 1951)
1.96986
19519
No change from 1950
39407
(+311 from 1950)
2.06138
19509
No change from 1949
39096
(-951 from 1949)
2.14954
19499
No change from 1948
40047
(+1367 from 1948)
2.22236
19489
No change from 1947
38680
(-2094 from 1947)
2.16968
19479
No change from 1946
40774
(+2561 from 1946)
2.19501
19469
(-2 from 1945)
38213
(+5747 from 1945)
2.31539
19457
No change from 1944
32466
(-2196 from 1944)
2.36727
19447
No change from 1943
34662
(-1966 from 1943)
2.49518
19437
No change from 1942
36628
(+774 from 1942)
2.51805
19427
(-1 from 1941)
35854
(+3112 from 1941)
2.54591
19416
No change from 1940
32742
(+1056 from 1940)
2.60922
19406
No change from 1939
31686
(+902 from 1939)
2.67129
19396
No change from 1938
30784
(-368 from 1938)
2.71630
19386
No change from 1937
31152
(+631 from 1937)
2.74107
19376
No change from 1936
30521
(+1423 from 1936)
2.79076
19366
No change from 1935
29098
(-884 from 1935)
2.73401
19356
(+1 from 1934)
29982
(+191 from 1934)
2.80312
19347
(-1 from 1933)
29791
(+801 from 1933)
2.80535
19336
No change from 1932
28990
(-2102 from 1932)
2.84162
19326
No change from 1931
31092
(+1159 from 1931)
2.89380
19316
No change from 1930
29933
(-1934 from 1930)
2.79807
19306
(-1 from 1929)
31867
(+1938 from 1929)
2.82130
19295
No change from 1928
29929
(-1314 from 1928)
2.70213
19285
No change from 1927
31243
(-698 from 1927)
2.73782
19275
No change from 1926
31941
(+2420 from 1926)
2.74899
19265
No change from 1925
29521
(-58 from 1925)
2.57726
19255
No change from 1924
29579
(-882 from 1924)
2.56891
19245
No change from 1923
30461
(+1495 from 1923)
2.60566
19235
No change from 1922
28966
(+127 from 1922)
2.55821
19225
No change from 1921
28839
(-403 from 1921)
2.56302
19215
No change from 1920
29242
(+933 from 1920)
2.56975
19205
No change from 1919
28309
(+3117 from 1919)
2.57172
19195
No change from 1918
25192
(-1729 from 1918)
2.48117
19185
(+2 from 1917)
26921
(+2778 from 1917)
2.56720
19177
(-1 from 1916)
24143
(+531 from 1916)
2.51671
19166
(+1 from 1915)
23612
(+1652 from 1915)
2.55751
19157
No change from 1914
21960
(+5023 from 1914)
2.49283
19147
No change from 1913
16937
(+3747 from 1913)
2.47863
19137
No change from 1912
13190
(+2120 from 1912)
2.45969
19127
No change from 1911
11070
(+5345 from 1911)
2.45207
19117
No change from 1910
5725
(+941 from 1910)
2.37163
19107
No change from 1909
4784
(+755 from 1909)
2.29431
19097
No change from 1908
4029
(+100 from 1908)
2.27803
19087
(-1 from 1907)
3929
(+45 from 1907)
2.36165
19076
No change from 1906
3884
(+277 from 1906)
2.44918
19066
(-1 from 1905)
3607
(-1 from 1905)
2.50371
19055
(+1 from 1904)
3608
(+202 from 1904)
2.51897
19046
(-1 from 1903)
3406
(+193 from 1903)
2.45915
19035
No change from 1902
3213
(-148 from 1902)
2.48450
19025
No change from 1901
3361
(+312 from 1901)
2.53183
19015
No change from 1900
3049
(-1049 from 1900)
2.63773
19005
No change from 1899
4098
(+951 from 1899)
2.52769
18995
No change from 1898
3147
(-410 from 1898)
2.73191
18985
No change from 1897
3557
(+216 from 1897)
2.69268
18975
No change from 1896
3341
(-298 from 1896)
2.73983
18965
No change from 1895
3639
(+6 from 1895)
2.81940
18955
No change from 1894
3633
(-155 from 1894)
2.86872
18945
No change from 1893
3788
(+65 from 1893)
3.03302
18935
No change from 1892
3723
(-596 from 1892)
3.07582
18925
No change from 1891
4319
(+679 from 1891)
3.28561
18915
No change from 1890
3640
(-421 from 1890)
3.33135
18905
No change from 1889
4061
(-138 from 1889)
3.39265
18895
No change from 1888
4199
(-392 from 1888)
3.52762
18885
No change from 1887
4591
(+560 from 1887)
3.53407
18875
No change from 1886
4031
(-502 from 1886)
3.68764
18865
No change from 1885
4533
(-66 from 1885)
3.80793
18855
No change from 1884
4599
(-203 from 1884)
3.96654
18845
(-1 from 1883)
4802
(-24 from 1883)
3.91240
18834
(+1 from 1882)
4826
(-265 from 1882)
4.29073
18825
No change from 1881
5091
(+455 from 1881)
4.17189
18815
(-1 from 1880)
4636
(-712 from 1880)
4.28165
18804
First SSA data recorded
5348
First SSA data recorded
4.51693

American States Popularity Rankings for Charles

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#452021#582022#542023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#482021#552022#442023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#822021#862022#962023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#392021#372022#422023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#312021#322022#382023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1042021#992022#1112023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#382021#392022#442023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#462021#372022#542023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#272021#292022#302023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#302021#322022#362023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#322021#382022#542023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#332021#272022#302023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#402021#312022#382023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#522021#472022#552023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#552021#592022#662023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#832021#662022#1012023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#212021#232022#172023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#272021#182022#202023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#462021#422022#492023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#552021#422022#422023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#432021#592022#272023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#652021#312022#902023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#242021#92022#252023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#772021#622022#732023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#562021#902022#472023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#242021#362022#302023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#252021#272022#302023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#502021#402022#442023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#812021#502022#752023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#592021#632022#562023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#292021#342022#322023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#262021#342022#412023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#72021#42022#102023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#322021#412022#332023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#752021#442022#562023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1022021#802022#1212023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#212021#312022#232023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#442021#402022#322023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#932021#1452022#1902023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#352021#682022#442023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#352021#512022#332023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#532021#332022#912023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#372021#542022#532023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#512021#542022#532023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#222021#202022#232023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#632021#1472022#1872023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#492021#612022#312023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#132021#162022#542023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1112021#372022#372023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#952021#892022#1082023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#832021#1122022#672023

Popularity Rankings for Charles in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#162020#142021#122022

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#792020#832021#352022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#382021#562022#912023

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#392015#502016#622017

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#722021#1042022#1052023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#892021#742022#782023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#862019#882020#912021

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1002020#912021#872022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1682021#1572022#2542023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1822021#1612022#1822023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2662021#1772022#2002023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#2712020#2222021#2302022

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#2352022#2382023

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#3112001#4302002#3622010

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#4432020#3752022#3812023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#3842021#4592022#4462023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Charles a Name for Boys or Girls?

Charles is traditionally a masculine name. While it is predominantly used for boys, there are feminine variations such as Carla, Carlotta, Charlotte, and Charlie.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Charles

Charles in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Charles Darwin (Biologist, 1809-1882): An English naturalist renowned for his contributions to the science of evolution through his theory of natural selection.
  • Charles Dickens (Novelist, 1812-1870): A British novelist and journalist known for his classic works like "A Christmas Carol" and "Great Expectations."
  • Charles de Gaulle (Politician, 1890-1970): A French military leader and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II and later founded the French Fifth Republic.
  • Charles Barkley (Basketball Player, born 1963): An American former professional basketball player, known for his dominance as a power forward in the NBA, and currently a television analyst.
  • Prince Charles (Royalty, born 1948): Now King Charles III, he is the current king of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms, previously known as the Prince of Wales.
  • King Charles I (British Monarch, 1600-1649): English king whose reign was marked by the English Civil War and his eventual execution.
  • King Charles II (British Monarch, 1630-1685): English king known for restoring the monarchy after the English Civil War and ruling during the period known as the Restoration.
  • Charles Lindbergh (Aviator, 1902-1974): An American aviator famous for making the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927.
  • Charles Schulz (Cartoonist, 1922-2000): The American cartoonist who created the beloved comic strip "Peanuts," featuring characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
  • Charles Bronson (Actor, 1921-2003): An American actor known for his roles in action films such as "Death Wish" and "The Magnificent Seven."
  • Charles Leclerc (Race Car Driver, born 1997): A Monegasque racing driver currently competing in Formula One for Scuderia Ferrari.
  • Charles Mingus (Musician, 1922-1979): An American jazz double bassist, composer, and bandleader, known for his contributions to jazz music and his role in the development of bebop.
  • Charles Bukowski (Poet and Novelist, 1920-1994): An influential American poet and novelist, known for his works depicting the ordinary lives of poor Americans.
  • Charles Xavier ("X-Men," 2000 Film Series): Also known as Professor X, he is the powerful mutant and founder of the X-Men, played by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy.
  • Prince Charles (King Charles III, 1948-present): The current king of the United Kingdom, known for his long tenure as the Prince of Wales before ascending to the throne.
  • Charles Foster Kane ("Citizen Kane," 1941 Film): The main character in Orson Welles' critically acclaimed film, often considered one of the greatest movies ever made.
  • Charles Boyle ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine," 2013 TV Show): A loyal and quirky detective in the popular comedy series, portrayed by Joe Lo Truglio.
  • Charles Winchester ("MAS*H," 1977 TV Show): A character in the long-running series, known for his cultured demeanor and complex personality.
  • Charles "Chuck" Bass ("Gossip Girl," 2007 TV Show): A wealthy and influential character in the teen drama series, portrayed by Ed Westwick.
  • Charles Bingley ("Pride and Prejudice," 1813 Novel): A charming and affable character in Jane Austen's classic novel.
  • Charles "Chucky" Lee Ray ("Child's Play," 1988 Film Series): The infamous killer doll possessed by the spirit of a murderer.
  • St. Charles Community (South Carolina): A community in Lee County, South Carolina, located at the junction of U.S. Route 401 and South Carolina Highway 154.
  • St. Charles Township (Michigan): A civil township in Saginaw County, Michigan. The township includes the village of St. Charles
  • Saint Charles Community (Georgia, USA): Located in Georgia, this small community is typical of the state's countryside regions.
  • Charles Village (Nord-Est, Haiti): A village in the Nord-Est department of Haiti, known for its local culture and community.
  • Charles Village (Devon, United Kingdom): A small village in Devon, England, known for its scenic countryside and historic buildings.

Similar Names to Charles