Germanic · boy

Charles

A well-loved boy name with real staying power.

Rank 2024

#51

Trend

stable

Band

common

Styles

classic

Meaning

Free man

Charles is a common boy name with Germanic roots. In 2024, 5,593 newborns in the U.S. were given the name — ranking it #51 nationally, and its popularity has held steady in recent years. Its style leans classic — tags you can match against your partner's picks in the combiner.

classic

About Germanic names

Germanic names were built like small shields — two strong word-elements joined together, usually drawn from battle, protection, glory, or rule. That ancient formula gave English many of its most durable classics: William, Henry, Emma, Matilda. Even when the original meanings have faded, the names keep their solid, grounded feel — consonant-forward, confident, and hard to wear out.

Meaning and origin are editorial; U.S. popularity comes from Social Security Administration public files.

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