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Baby Names:

Charles

Meaning: Free man; farmer

Origin: French; German

Alternate spellings: Carlos, Charlie, Carlo, Chuck, Chuckie

Charles has German and French roots and means “free man” and “farmer.” The name goes back centuries and has long been popular for royalty, but don’t let it go to your little Charlie’s head. Charlemagne was the Holy Roman Emperor in 800 C.E. and his name translates to “Charles the Great.” The name also made its mark on the British royal family – Mary, Queen of Scots, named her son Charles James in 1566 and he went on to become king of Scotland and king of England. The name is still part of the British royal family today – Prince Charles is next in line for the throne. Charles has been one of the most popular boys’ names of all time in the U.S. It was in the top 10 from 1880 through 1954 and didn’t fall out of the top 50 until 2000. It’s dropped slightly since then, but the classic name is still a perennial parental favorite.