Boy Name · Germanic Origin
Charles
Last reviewed: June 2026
Charles is a boy baby name of Germanic origin, meaning "Free man". It currently sits in the Top 100 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Charles often also consider Carlson.
Names like Charles
Frequently asked about Charles
What does the name Charles mean?
Charles means "Free man" and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of Charles?
Charles originates in Germanic naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Charles?
Charles has 7 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Charles a boy's or girl's name?
Charles is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Charles in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Charles sits in the Top 100 tier — a widely-loved, instantly-recognizable pick.
What names are similar to Charles?
Names that share Charles's sound and style include Carlson, Charleston, Charleigh, Corliss, Carlos.