Charles
BoyGerman
Charles is a boy name of German origin meaning "free man".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
German
Religion
Christian
Popularity
68 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
7 letters
Meaning
free man
Etymology
From Old High German 'Karl', derived from Proto-Germanic *karilaz meaning 'man' or 'free man'. The name entered French as 'Charles' and spread throughout Europe.
Famous People Named Charles
- Charles Darwin — English naturalist and biologist (1809–1882)
- Charles Dickens — English novelist and social critic (1812–1870)
- Charles de Gaulle — French general and statesman (1890–1970)
- Charles Baudelaire — French poet and critic (1821–1867)
- Charles Lucien Bonaparte — French noble, biologist, politician and art collector (1803–1857)
Frequently Asked Questions About Charles
What does the name Charles mean?
Charles means "free man", and is of German origin.
What is the origin of the name Charles?
Charles originates from German, commonly used in Europe.
Is Charles a boy or girl name?
Charles is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Charles associated with?
Charles is associated with Christian.
Are there famous people named Charles?
Yes — notable people named Charles include Charles Darwin (English naturalist and biologist, 1809–1882), Charles Dickens (English novelist and social critic, 1812–1870), Charles de Gaulle (French general and statesman, 1890–1970), Charles Baudelaire (French poet and critic, 1821–1867) and Charles Lucien Bonaparte (French noble, 1803–1857).
Last updated: June 2026