Charles is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German name Karl. The name Karl is composed of two elements: "karl" which means "free man" or "strong," and "-mann" which signifies "man." Thus, the name Charles can be interpreted as meaning "strong man" or "free man."
The name Charles first appeared in France during the Middle Ages, where it was introduced by Charlemagne, also known as Charles I, who ruled over the Frankish Empire from 768 to 814. Charlemagne was a renowned leader and warrior, famous for his military conquests and political achievements. As such, he became a popular figure among the French nobility, who often bestowed the name Charles upon their male offspring in his honor.
Over time, the name Charles gained widespread popularity throughout Europe, particularly among royal families. Some notable historical figures bearing this name include Charles II of England (1630-1685), Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (1500-1558), and Charles IX of France (1550-1574). This popularity has contributed to the enduring appeal of the name Charles even today.
In contemporary times, variations of the name Charles include Charlie, Chuck, Carl, Carlo, Carlos, Karl, and others. Despite these alternatives, the original form of the name remains a classic choice for parents seeking a timeless and sophisticated masculine given name.
"Chares experienced varying popularity over time, with a noticeable peak of 10 births in 1961. However, it remained relatively uncommon overall, as seen by the total of only 69 births across these years."