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 experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. It peaked during World War I, with over 26,000 births each year from 1917 to 1918. However, it declined steadily throughout the mid-20th century, reaching its lowest point in recent times with fewer than 6,000 births per year since 2015.