Charley
Charley is a girl name of English origin meaning “Free man”, pronounced CHAR-lee. It ranked #760 in the United States in 2025, given to 356 babies, and peaked at #489 in 2014. Common nicknames: Char, Charly, Lee.
How popular is Charley in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Charley mean, and where does it come from?
Charley is one of several spellings of Charlie, the familiar form of Charles — Germanic karl, "free man" — and the one that reads most clearly as a girl's name in the United States today. It has been recorded since 1901, first for boys and then, from the 1990s, overwhelmingly for girls, peaking in 2014 as part of the wave that carried Charlie, Charlee and Charleigh into the charts together. The name's appeal is its ordinariness: it sounds like a nickname the family has always used, which is usually the effect parents are after.
How is Charley used around the world?
Charley is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Charley?
Famous People Named Charley
- Charley Pride — American country music singer and Hall of Fame inductee
- Charley Toorop — Dutch painter
- Charley Webb — English actress
Similar Names to Charley
If you like Charley, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Charley
Looking for names that pair well with Charley? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Charley mean?
Charley is a girl name of English origin meaning "Free man." Charley is one of several spellings of Charlie, the familiar form of Charles — Germanic karl, "free man" — and the one that reads most clearly as a girl's name in the United States today. It has been recorded since 1901, first for boys and then, from the 1990s, overwhelmingly for girls, peaking in 2014 as part of the wave that carried Charlie, Charlee and Charleigh into the charts together.
How do you pronounce Charley?
Charley is pronounced CHAR-lee. Common variations include Charlie, Charlee, Charleigh.
Is Charley a girl name?
Yes, Charley is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Char, Charly, Lee.