Charles
Charles first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1947, when 40,781 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 5,898.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Charles mean?
From the Germanic karl, “free man.” Borne by emperors and kings across Europe.
Nicknames for Charles
Names like Charles
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Charles mean?
Charles means Free man. From the Germanic karl, “free man.” Borne by emperors and kings across Europe.
What is the origin of the name Charles?
Charles is of Germanic origin.
How do you pronounce Charles?
Charles is pronounced “CHARLZ.”
Is Charles a boy or a girl name?
Charles is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Charles?
In 2025, Charles ranked #48 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Charles most popular?
Charles was most popular in 1947, when about 40,781 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Charles?
Common nicknames for Charles include Charlie, Chuck.