Charles
Charles is a classic Germanic name derived from 'Karl,' meaning 'free man' or 'warrior.' It has been a royal name across Europe for centuries, conveying strength, nobility, and timeless elegance.
Current Popularity
#51 for boys
in the United States (2024)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Easy to spell and pronounce in most languages
- •Strong royal and historical significance across multiple cultures
- •Offers versatile nickname options from formal to casual
- •Ages well from childhood through adulthood
Similar Names
Famous People
Charles Darwin
Naturalist and evolutionary biologist
Charles Dickens
Victorian novelist
Charles Chaplin
Silent film actor and director
Prince Charles III
King of the United Kingdom
Statistics
2,428,685
Total births since 1880
1947
Peak year
Discovery
Keep exploring
Use these paths to keep browsing instead of backing out into a blank search.
Rising now
Browse trending names
See names climbing fastest right now.
Always popular
Explore timeless classics
Find names that have stayed strong for decades.
For this gender
See all-time favorites
Jump into the broadest popularity list.
Stories
Read famous-name profiles
Follow cultural stories that shaped naming trends.
Guides
Browse recent articles
Move from inspiration into editorial advice.