Charles is a popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #62 in 2010 with 1,152 recorded births. This places Charles in the top 1% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 1998 with 1,868 births ranking #41. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 33.7%. In 2010, approximately 1 in every 301 boys born was named Charles. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Charles is a major classic derived from Karl and linked with the idea of a man or free man. It has long been associated with royalty, stability, and traditional strength.
The name spread widely through European history and became especially prominent through kings, emperors, saints, and noble families. In English, it remains one of the enduring formal classics.