Charles
Free man — a boy name of German origin
Popularity of Charles in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Charles
Charles comes from the Germanic word "karl" meaning "free man" or "man of the common people." The name was made famous by Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus), the great Frankish king who united much of Western Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries. It has been borne by numerous kings of England, France, Spain, and Sweden, making it one of the most regal names in European history. King Charles III ascended the British throne in 2022, renewing the name's association with royalty. Charles has never fallen out of the top 500 names in any English-speaking country since records began.
Charles Around the World
Charles is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
Female FormCaroline
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Charles
Famous People Named Charles
- Charles Darwin — English naturalist and author of On the Origin of Species
- Charles Dickens — English novelist
- King Charles III — King of the United Kingdom
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Charles mean?
Charles is a boy name of German origin meaning "Free man." Charles comes from the Germanic word "karl" meaning "free man" or "man of the common people." The name was made famous by Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus), the great Frankish king who united much of Western Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries.
How do you pronounce Charles?
Charles is pronounced CHARLZ. Common variations include Carlos, Carlo, Karel.
Is Charles a boy name?
Yes, Charles is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Charlie, Chuck, Chas, Chaz.
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