Charles is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #9583 in 2025 with 10 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2004 with 54 births ranking #2932. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 47.4%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 160,727 girls born was named Charles. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
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.