Meaning, origin, history
Charlotte is a feminine given name of French origin. It comes from the masculine French name Charles, which means "free man" or "strong". The name Charlotte has been popular throughout history and has been borne by many notable figures.
The name first came into prominence in France during the Middle Ages. It was used as a feminine form of the name Charles, which was itself derived from the Germanic word "karl", meaning "strong" or "free man". In the 14th century, the French king Charles V named one of his daughters Charlotte, and this helped to popularize the name.
Charlotte became particularly fashionable in France during the reign of Queen Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793), who was born Charlotte in Austria but was known by her French nickname "Maria" after her baptismal name Marie-Anne. Many French women adopted the name Charlotte during this period, and it continued to be popular throughout the 19th century.
The name Charlotte has also been used in other European countries besides France. In Germany, for example, Charlotte is a traditional name with royal connections. It was the name of several German princesses and queens, including Queen Charlotte of Wurttemberg (1787-1843) and Crown Princess Charlotte of Prussia (1860-1919).
Today, Charlotte continues to be a popular name around the world. According to the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was the 9th most popular girl's name in 2020. The name has also been used by several celebrities and historical figures, including Queen consort Charlotte of the United Kingdom (1744-1818), actresses Charlotte Gainsbourg and Charlotte Rampling, and singer-songwriter Charlotte Gesser.
Overall, Charlotte is a classic feminine name with French origins that means "free man" or "strong". It has been popular throughout history and has been borne by many notable figures. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents around the world.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Charlette since 1880
Total births
4,233
Total since 1880
Peak year
1971
85 births
in 2023
59
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+42%
↗
vs previous 5 years