Charles is a classic male given name of French origin. It comes from the Old German word "Karl", which means "strong" or "free man". The name was popular among the Germanic tribes and eventually made its way to France, where it became widely used.
The first recorded use of the name Charles in France dates back to the 9th century, when Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, ruled over the Frankish Empire. Charlemagne is considered one of the most important figures in European history, and his fame helped popularize the name Charles throughout Europe.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Charles. In addition to Charlemagne, some of these individuals include Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor during the 16th century; Charles I, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until his execution in 1649; and Charles Dickens, renowned English author of such classic works as "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities".
Today, Charles remains a popular given name for boys around the world. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, leadership, and courage, thanks in part to its etymology and historical figures who have borne the name. However, it is important to note that these associations are not inherent characteristics of people named Charles, but rather cultural interpretations based on the name's history and meaning.
In summary, Charles is a timeless male given name of French origin with a rich historical background. Its meaning, "strong" or "free man", reflects its Germanic roots, while its popularity can be attributed to notable figures throughout history who have borne this prestigious name.
The name Charles experienced a steady rise in popularity from the late 19th century until reaching its peak around the mid-20th century. Between 1880 and 1957, there were on average about 160 births per year with a notable spike in the early 1920s, reaching as high as 303 births in 1927. However, starting from the mid-1950s, its popularity began to decline dramatically, dropping to just 5 births in 2021 and 2022. Overall, there were a total of 12,458 babies named Charles between 1880 and 2023.