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Charlotte Girl

Popularity: #4 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationSHAR-lot / /ˈʃɑːrlət/

French; Latin

Meaning

French: free man; Latin: strong

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Charlotte is of French origin, derived from the masculine name Charles, which itself comes from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man". The transition from Charles to Charlotte occurred in the 16th century, when the French diminutive form was adopted, indicating a feminine counterpart. The name entered the English language through the influence of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when French culture and language significantly impacted England. The earliest recorded use of Charlotte in England can be traced back to the 17th century, although it was not widely used until later.

Historically, Charlotte has been borne by several notable figures, including Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who became Queen of Great Britain in the 18th century as the wife of King George III. Her influence helped popularize the name in English-speaking countries. Additionally, the name appears in literary works, such as in the character Charlotte Temple from the novel by Susanna Rowson published in 1791, which contributed to its cultural resonance. The name also features in various royal lineages across Europe, further solidifying its status.

Culturally, Charlotte has been associated with qualities of elegance and refinement, often linked to the ideals of femininity in various historical contexts. The name has also been embraced in various forms of art and literature, symbolizing grace and strength. The diminutive form "Lottie" has also been used historically, reflecting a common practice of creating affectionate or familiar variants of names. Overall, Charlotte's enduring appeal can be attributed to its rich linguistic roots, historical significance, and cultural associations.

Trend Summary

Charlotte has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States over the past decade.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Charlie
  • Lottie

International Variants

  • Carolina (Spanish)
  • Carlotta (Italian)
  • Charlotte (French)
  • Karolina (Polish)

Famous people named Charlotte

Charlotte Brontë is a novelist best known for Jane Eyre, Shirley, and Villette.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a writer and social reformer best known for The Yellow Wallpaper, Women and Economics, and Herland.

Charlotte Rampling is an actress best known for The Night Porter, 45 Years, and Swimming Pool.

Charlotte Church is a singer and television presenter best known for Voice of an Angel, Dream a Dream, and her television appearances.

Charlotte Gainsbourg is an actress and singer best known for Antichrist, Nymphomaniac, and her music career.

Charlotte Figi is known for her advocacy in the medical cannabis movement and as a patient with Dravet syndrome.

Charlotte Dujardin is an equestrian best known for her Olympic gold medals in dressage.

Fictional characters named Charlotte

Charlotte is a fictional character from the novel Charlotte's Web. She is a wise and caring spider who befriends a pig named Wilbur and helps save his life through her cleverness.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Charlotte was first seen in the United States in 1880. Charlotte has ranked as high as #6 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Charlotte has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Charlotte (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 1,044
9%
TX 1,019
8%
FL 707
6%
NY 684
6%
OH 531
4%
PA 487
4%
IL 463
4%
GA 451
4%
VA 435
4%
NC 404
3%
NJ 386
3%
IN 354
3%
TN 343
3%
MA 294
2%
MO 292
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880237
1881227
1882257
1883291
1884344
1885317
1886368
1887351
1888464
1889455
1890417
1891387
1892486
1893476
1894484
1895472
1896492
1897492
1898569
1899496
1900602
1901503
1902524
1903504
1904554
1905614
1906619
1907667
1908766
1909841
1910896
1911960
19121,375
19131,603
19142,007
19152,757
19162,995
19173,229
19183,373
19193,353
19203,624
19213,587
19223,582
19233,596
19243,612
19253,551
19263,512
19273,676
19283,475
19293,537
19303,406
19313,403
19323,363
19333,114
19343,434
19353,470
19363,555
19373,537
19383,625
19393,739
19404,291
19414,564
19425,022
19435,482
19444,928
19454,529
19464,970
19475,386
19485,164
19495,142
19504,736
19514,649
19524,204
19533,814
19543,760
19553,327
19563,274
19573,250
19583,015
19592,969
19602,781
19612,934
19622,678
19632,595
19642,422
19652,471
19662,301
19672,021
19682,002
19692,027
19701,991
19711,746
19721,535
19731,331
19741,251
19751,081
1976957
1977940
1978829
1979853
1980848
1981833
1982794
1983834
1984790
1985945
1986860
1987827
1988863
1989894
1990964
1991982
1992964
1993943
1994942
1995999
1996946
1997954
1998997
19991,004
20001,105
20011,379
20021,604
20031,763
20041,994
20052,446
20062,781
20073,330
20083,671
20094,191
20105,358
20116,430
20127,482
20139,311
201410,120
201511,415
201613,117
201712,965
201813,036
201913,236
202013,097
202113,362
202212,944
202312,628
202412,552