Boy · 5th of 7,545
Charles
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,441,151
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1947
Peak Popularity Year
40,917
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Charles stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Charles originates from Old German, meaning 'man' or 'free man'. It evolved through various historical forms, including Karl and Carolus, before becoming Charles in Middle English. The name is often associated with nobility and has gained popularity due to notable historical figures. It has no biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/tʃɑrlz/
Origin
Old German
Etymology
The name Charles comes from the Old Germanic name 'Karl', which means 'man' or 'free man'. It was brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest.
Meaning
man; free man
Language Evolution
Karl (Old German), Carolus (Latin), Charles (Old French), Charles (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name Charles gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly after the reign of Charlemagne in the 8th and 9th centuries. It has been used by numerous kings and emperors, which contributed to its widespread recognition.
Variants & Derivatives
Charlie, Carl, Carlo, Karol
Modern Popularity & Image
Charles remains a popular name today, often associated with nobility and leadership. It is perceived as classic and timeless, frequently used in various cultures.
Famous People
Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Charles de Gaulle, Charles Chaplin
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 40,917 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5th of 7545 | 442,478 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6th of 6773 | 568,432 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 10th of 7552 | 658,008 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 23rd of 10718 | 288,262 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 36th of 16616 | 186,351 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 56th of 24088 | 119,395 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 51st of 23106 | 78,157 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 575th of 9107 | 2,727 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 525th of 9204 | 3,208 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 848th of 12526 | 2,629 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1009th of 19264 | 1,972 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1900th of 27321 | 1,079 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7733rd of 35406 | 230 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9228th of 30306 | 134 |