Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning 'free man', derived from the masculine name Charles. It evolved from the Germanic 'karl' to Charles in Old French, eventually becoming Charlotte. The name conveys traits of elegance and sophistication, has no biblical relevance, and has seen a rise in popularity since the 18th century, with many notable figures bearing the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ʃɑːrˈlɒt/
Origin
French
Etymology
The name Charlotte is derived from the masculine name Charles, which comes from the Germanic word 'karl' meaning 'free man'. The name became popular in France and was feminized to Charlotte.
Meaning
free man
Language Evolution
Charles (Old French), Carl (Germanic), Charlotte (French)
Historical Usage
Charlotte gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly in France, and has since become a common name in many English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Charlie, Lottie, Carlotta, Carlotta
Modern Popularity & Image
Charlotte is currently a very popular name in many countries and is often associated with elegance and sophistication.
Famous People
Charlotte Brontë, Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Charlotte Church
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 13,375 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
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 (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3261st of 7545 | 103 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1925th of 6773 | 264 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2734th of 7552 | 171 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5093rd of 10718 | 64 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11776th of 16616 | 20 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 18784th of 24088 | 15 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 7476th of 23106 | 125 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 84th of 9107 | 56,880 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 62nd of 9204 | 70,474 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 117th of 12526 | 71,070 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 194th of 19264 | 24,184 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 297th of 27321 | 14,380 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 111th of 35406 | 46,489 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 7th of 30306 | 147,783 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
64.02% 3325th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
4.73% 67th/1416 |
4.06% 56th/1379 |
6.13% 145th/2366 |
6.30% 72nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
3.88% 60th/1546 |
4.88% 76th/1556 |
2.89% 68th/2353 |
3.75% 58th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
5.88% 131st/2227 |
6.75% 164th/2430 |
2.70% 77th/2853 |
4.83% 134th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
7.97% 234th/2937 |
8.81% 307th/3483 |
3.89% 137th/3518 |
5.69% 230th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.17% 338th/3685 |
5.90% 264th/4475 |
4.87% 253rd/5194 |
5.46% 345th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.53% 116th/4582 |
1.39% 72nd/5164 |
2.05% 150th/7313 |
1.66% 124th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
0.08% 3rd/3984 |
0.13% 6th/4487 |
0.12% 8th/6822 |
0.10% 6th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too rising for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3261st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1925th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2734th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5093rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11776th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 18784th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7476th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 84th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 62nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 117th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 194th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 297th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 111th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.