Charles is a popular boys' name in United States, ranking #54 in 2023 with 5,415 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 8,247 births ranking #43. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 34.3%. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 316 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.