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Charles Boy

Popularity: #50 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationCHAR-lz / /tʃɑrlz/

French; Germanic

Meaning

French: free man; Germanic: strong, manly

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Charles has its roots in the Germanic name Karl, which is derived from the Old High German word "karal," meaning "man" or "free man." This name was adopted into Latin as "Carolus," which became the basis for the name in various languages, including French, where it evolved into "Charles." The name entered the English language through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, becoming widely used in England thereafter.

Historically, the name Charles has been borne by numerous significant figures, including Charlemagne (Charles the Great), who was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800 AD and played a crucial role in the Carolingian Renaissance. The name also appears in the English royal lineage, notably with Charles I, who reigned from 1625 to 1649 and was executed during the English Civil War, and Charles II, who restored the monarchy in 1660 after a period of republican rule. Additionally, the name is associated with various saints, including Saint Charles Borromeo, a prominent figure in the Counter-Reformation during the 16th century.

Culturally, the name Charles has been linked to notions of nobility and leadership, often symbolizing strength and authority. It has been a popular choice among European royalty and nobility, reinforcing its status as a name of significance. The diminutive form "Charlie" has also emerged, reflecting a more familiar and affectionate usage, although its historical prominence is less pronounced. Overall, the name Charles carries a rich heritage, embodying both historical weight and cultural resonance across various societies.

Trend Summary

Charles has consistently remained a classic name in the United States, experiencing fluctuations in popularity but maintaining a strong presence.

Similar Names

CarlCharlieChadCharlesonCharltonCyrusChesterCameron

Variants

  • Charlie
  • Chuck

International Variants

  • Carlo (Italian)
  • Karl (German)
  • Carlos (Spanish)
  • Charles (English)

Famous people named Charles

Charles Dickens is a novelist best known for A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and Oliver Twist.

Charles Darwin is a naturalist best known for his contributions to the theory of evolution and the book On the Origin of Species.

Charles Chaplin is an actor and filmmaker best known for The Kid, City Lights, and Modern Times.

Charles Bronson is an actor best known for The Magnificent Seven, Death Wish, and The Great Escape.

Charles Schulz is a cartoonist best known for creating the Peanuts comic strip.

Charles Lindbergh is an aviator best known for making the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight.

Charles Babbage is a mathematician and inventor best known for conceptualizing the first mechanical computer, the Analytical Engine.

Charles Aznavour is a singer and songwriter best known for La Bohème, Comme ils disent, and For Mama.

Charles Ives is a composer best known for his innovative works such as Symphony No. 2 and The Unanswered Question.

Charles Mingus is a jazz musician and composer best known for his works like Mingus Ah Um and The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady.

Charles R. Drew is a physician and medical researcher best known for his work on blood transfusions and blood banks.

Charles Durning is an actor best known for his roles in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Dog Day Afternoon, and To Be or Not to Be.

Charles Trenet is a singer and songwriter best known for his songs Douce France and La Mer.

Charles S. Dutton is an actor and director best known for his roles in Roc, Alien 3, and The Piano Lesson.

Charles Nelson Reilly is an actor and comedian best known for his work on The Match Game and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.

Fictional characters named Charles

Charles Xavier is a fictional character from the comic book series X-Men. He is the founder of the X-Men and a powerful telepath who advocates for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants.

Charles Dickens is a fictional character from the novel A Christmas Carol. He is a famous author who appears as a character in various adaptations of his own works, often embodying themes of redemption and social justice.

Charles Lee Ray is a fictional character from the Child's Play film series. He is a serial killer who transfers his soul into a doll, becoming the infamous Chucky.

Sibling Suggestions

WilliamJamesHenryEdwardGeorgeThomasRichard

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Charles was first seen in the United States in 1880. Charles has ranked as high as #13 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and California. In the past 5 years the name Charles has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Charles (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 415
8%
CA 406
8%
NY 300
6%
FL 239
5%
NC 235
4%
IL 235
4%
OH 226
4%
MA 224
4%
GA 223
4%
PA 210
4%
VA 184
3%
TN 180
3%
MI 172
3%
MO 147
3%
WA 131
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805,348
18814,636
18825,091
18834,826
18844,802
18854,599
18864,533
18874,031
18884,591
18894,199
18904,061
18913,640
18924,319
18933,723
18943,788
18953,633
18963,639
18973,341
18983,557
18993,147
19004,098
19013,049
19023,361
19033,213
19043,406
19053,608
19063,607
19073,884
19083,929
19094,029
19104,784
19115,725
191211,070
191313,190
191416,937
191521,960
191623,612
191724,143
191826,921
191925,192
192028,309
192129,242
192228,839
192328,966
192430,460
192529,580
192629,521
192731,941
192831,244
192929,929
193031,867
193129,933
193231,093
193328,990
193429,791
193529,982
193629,100
193730,521
193831,152
193930,786
194031,690
194132,739
194235,855
194336,630
194434,663
194532,467
194638,212
194740,779
194838,678
194940,047
195039,097
195139,408
195238,865
195338,420
195437,467
195535,361
195635,239
195734,282
195832,243
195930,796
196029,665
196129,196
196227,588
196326,762
196425,903
196523,500
196622,251
196721,290
196821,569
196921,664
197022,412
197119,851
197216,969
197315,751
197415,151
197514,578
197613,923
197714,743
197814,845
197914,807
198014,958
198114,428
198214,311
198313,213
198412,942
198512,899
198612,625
198712,176
198812,108
198912,245
199011,999
199111,336
199210,470
19939,856
19949,018
19958,478
19968,247
19977,656
19987,848
19997,525
20007,524
20017,283
20027,208
20037,695
20047,652
20057,932
20068,013
20077,452
20087,288
20097,284
20107,105
20116,985
20126,945
20137,025
20147,360
20157,204
20167,125
20177,189
20186,663
20196,403
20206,243
20216,003
20225,934
20235,415
20245,593