Charlotte
Charlotte is a girl name of French origin meaning “Free woman”, pronounced SHAR-lut. It ranked #2 in the United States in 2025, given to 13,400 babies, and peaked at #2 in 2025. Common nicknames: Charlie, Lottie, Lotte.
How popular is Charlotte 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 Charlotte mean, and where does it come from?
Charlotte is the French feminine diminutive of Charles, which derives from the Germanic word "karl" meaning "free man." The name was introduced to Britain in the 17th century by French Huguenot settlers and gained royal prestige when King George III married Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in 1761. Charlotte Bronte, author of Jane Eyre, further cemented its literary cachet in the 19th century. The name experienced a dramatic modern resurgence after the birth of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge in 2015, pushing it to the top of baby name charts worldwide.
How is Charlotte used around the world?
Charlotte is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 11+ international variants.
Male FormCharles
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Charlotte?
Famous People Named Charlotte
- Charlotte Bronte — English novelist who wrote Jane Eyre
- Charlotte Gainsbourg — French-British actress and singer
- Princess Charlotte of Cambridge — member of the British royal family
Similar Names to Charlotte
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Sibling Name Ideas for Charlotte
Looking for names that pair well with Charlotte? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Charlotte mean?
Charlotte is a girl name of French origin meaning "Free woman." Charlotte is the French feminine diminutive of Charles, which derives from the Germanic word "karl" meaning "free man." The name was introduced to Britain in the 17th century by French Huguenot settlers and gained royal prestige when King George III married Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in 1761.
How do you pronounce Charlotte?
Charlotte is pronounced SHAR-lut. Common variations include Charlotta, Carlotta, Charlize.
Is Charlotte a girl name?
Yes, Charlotte is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Charlie, Lottie, Lotte, Charli.