Charles is a classic male given name with French origins and meaning "free man" or "strong." The name derives from the Old Germanic word "karal," which means "strength," and the suffix "-s," which denotes ownership, as in "of free men."
The popularity of the name Charles can be traced back to its use by several notable historical figures. Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was a Frankish emperor who ruled from 800 until his death in 814. His legacy lives on today through various institutions named after him, such as the University of Pennsylvania's Charles Library and the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
Another famous bearer of the name is King Charles I of England (reigned 1625-1649). Despite his eventual execution during the English Civil War, he remains remembered for his cultural accomplishments and his role in shaping British history. His son, King Charles II, was known for his efforts to restore peace following the turmoil of his father's reign.
In more recent times, Prince Charles, the current heir apparent to the British throne, has kept the name alive and well within the royal family. Born on November 14, 1948, he is the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Throughout history, people named Charles have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, arts, literature, science, and philosophy. Some notable examples include:
* French novelist and short-story writer Guy de Maupassant
* American inventor Thomas Alva Edison
* French composer Gabriel Fauré
* Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung
* French philosopher René Descartes
Today, the name Charles continues to be popular among parents looking for a classic, timeless choice for their sons. It remains widely used across many English-speaking countries and beyond.
The name Charles has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century. Between 1880 and 2023, there were a total of 2,423,009 births with the first name Charles.
During the early 1900s, the name Charles was particularly prevalent. In fact, it peaked in popularity during the years 1905 to 1910, with over 60,000 births each year. This trend continued until the late 1940s when the popularity of the name began to decline.
From the 1950s onwards, the number of births with the name Charles decreased significantly. By the mid-1970s, fewer than 2,000 babies were being named Charles each year. This downward trend continued until the late 1990s when the popularity of the name began to rise slightly.
However, even with this recent uptick in popularity, the number of births with the name Charles still remains relatively low compared to its peak in the early 20th century. In recent years (between 2016 and 2023), there have been approximately 500-700 babies named Charles each year in the United States.
Despite its waning popularity, the name Charles continues to be a classic choice among parents who prefer traditional names with a timeless appeal.