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.
"Over the course of these years, the name Charles experienced varying popularity in births. It peaked in 1924 with 7 births and had several periods of consistent popularity, notably from 1983 to 1987 where it maintained a stable number of 5 births per year."