Charles is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German word "Karl," which means "strong" or "free man." The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has been used in English-speaking countries ever since.
The name Charles has a rich history, with many notable figures bearing the name. One of the most famous is King Charles I of England, who ruled from 1625 until his execution in 1649. Another well-known figure is Charles Darwin, the British naturalist and geologist who is best known for his contributions to the science of evolution.
The name Charles has also been popular among European royalty throughout history. For example, there have been several kings named Charles in France, Spain, and Sweden. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents naming their sons, with variations such as Charlie, Chuck, and Carl being commonly used as well.
Overall, the name Charles has a strong and powerful meaning that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and enduring popularity make it a classic choice for boys' names.
The name Charles has been given to babies in the United States for over six decades, as evidenced by the available birth statistics from 1924 to 1987. During this period, there were a total of 38 births with the name Charles.
While the popularity of the name has varied over time, it is clear that it was quite popular in the mid-20th century. The highest number of births recorded for the name Charles during this period was in 1944, with a total of 6 babies named Charles born that year.
Interestingly, the name appears to have had a resurgence in popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with five births recorded each year from 1975 to 1984. This suggests that the name may have been influenced by cultural trends or significant events during this time period.
Overall, while the number of babies named Charles may have fluctuated over the years, it is clear that this classic and timeless name has remained a popular choice for parents in the United States for many decades.