Charles: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced CHAHRLZ · 1 syllable
Charles means “free man”, from Germanic.
From French Charles, from Old French Charles, Carles, from Latin Carolus, from and also reinfluenced by Frankish and Old High German Karl, from Proto-Germanic *karilaz (“free man”); compare the English word churl and the German Kerl. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a clipping of the original name King Charles's Island, granted in honor of Charles II of England.
- Meaning
- free man
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- CHAHRLZ
- US rank (2025)
- #48
- US babies a year
- about 5,783 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Chuck, Charlie
How popular is Charles?
Charles was the #48 name in the US in 2025, given to 5,908 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Most popular in Washington, DC (#7).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #48 |
| England & Wales | #88 |
| Scotland | #168 |
| Northern Ireland | #193 |
| Ireland | #188 |
| France | #72 |
| Norway | #448 |
| Canada | #28 |
| Australia | #121 |
How old are people named Charles?
Half of US adults named Charles are older than 63; most are between 25 and 86. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Charles
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Charles have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Charles
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Charles
What does the name Charles mean?
Charles means “free man”. It comes from Germanic.
How do you pronounce Charles?
Charles is pronounced CHAHRLZ.
How popular is the name Charles?
Charles was the #48 name in the US in 2025, given to 5,908 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Charles?
Half of US adults named Charles are older than 63. Most are between 25 and 86.