Charles
Charles is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Free man.
Origin and history
Charles is traditionally a masculine name derived from Germanic roots meaning free man. While overwhelmingly used for males, it has historically appeared as a rare choice for females in the United States. In modern usage, female usage remains uncommon but documented.
Popularity in the United States
12,476 babies in the United States have been named Charles since 1880. It ranks #1441 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2047.
States where it is most popular
- TX (15.5 %)
- NY (8.1 %)
- PA (6.8 %)
- OH (5.9 %)
- GA (5.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 223 |
| 1890-1900 | 236 |
| 1900-1910 | 244 |
| 1910-1920 | 884 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,160 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,774 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,466 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,425 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,289 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,206 |
| 1980-1990 | 999 |
| 1990-2000 | 233 |
| 2000-2010 | 161 |
| 2010-2019 | 122 |
| 2020-2029 | 54 |
Nicknames
Charlie, Charley, Chuck
Fun facts
- Although predominantly male, over 12,000 females in the U.S. have been named Charles since 1880.
- The name derives from the Common Germanic noun *karlaz, meaning free man.