Charles

Origin The surname Charles is of Old Germanic origin, derived from the personal name "Carl", itself a variant of the name Charles. The name "Carl" means "man" or "warrior" in Old Germanic.

Distribution The surname Charles is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. Variants of the name, such as Charlton and Charleston, can also be found in different regions around the world.

Historical Significance The surname Charles has a long history in Britain, with records dating back to medieval times. The name has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history, including royalty and nobility.

Variants Over the years, variations of the surname Charles have emerged, such as Charlton, Charleston, and Charley. These variations reflect the different ways in which the name has been adapted and passed down through generations.

Famous Bearers

  • Charles Dickens - Renowned English writer and social critic.
  • Prince Charles - Heir apparent to the British throne.
  • Ray Charles - Influential American musician.
  • Jacqueline Charles - British actress known for her roles in historical dramas.

Modern Significance In modern times, the surname Charles continues to be a popular and widespread name, with many individuals proudly bearing the name as a link to their familial heritage and history.

Overall, the surname Charles holds significance as a name that has been passed down through generations and has a rich history in the United Kingdom and beyond.

There are approximately 15,952 people named Charles in the UK. That makes it the 552nd most common surname in Britain. Around 245 in a million people in Britain are named Charles.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.