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Name Origin

Charles is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Frankish name Karolos, meaning 'free man' or 'man of the people'. It was popularized by Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor.

germanicfrankishroyaltyleadershipfreepeople

Famous People

Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

Naturalist, biologist, geologist

  • Theory of evolution by natural selection

Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

Writer, novelist

  • Oliver Twist
  • A Tale of Two Cities
  • Great Expectations

Charles Chaplin (1889-1977)

Actor, filmmaker, composer

  • Silent film icon, creator of 'The Tramp'

Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970)

Military leader, statesman

  • Leader of the Free French Forces during WWII, President of France

Charles Barkley (1963-)

Retired basketball player, analyst

  • NBA MVP, 11-time NBA All-Star