What does Charlotte mean and where does it come from?
The name Charlotte is derived from the French name 'Charles,' which means 'free man.' It gained popularity in the 18th century and is often associated with royalty, particularly Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of Great Britain. The name has been consistently popular and features in seve
Cultural significance
Charlotte has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man.
Peak popularity
Reached #4 in 2020 — currently #3 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Charlotte?
Charlotte works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Charlotte Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Charlotte Rose
Floral · soft ending
Charlotte Mae
Sweet · timeless
Charlotte Claire
French influence · crisp
Charlotte Jane
Literary · strong
Charlotte Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Charlotte right now?
Holding steady — currently #3 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3 | 12,628 | stable · -2% births |
| 2022 | #3 | 12,944 | stable · -3% births |
| 2021 | #3 | 13,362 | ▲ up 1 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #4 | 13,003 | ▲ up 5 · +14% births |
| 2015 | #9 | 11,398 | ▲ up 37 · +113% births |
| 2010 | #46 | 5,357 | ▲ up 89 · +119% births |
| 2005 | #135 | 2,444 | ▲ up 154 · +121% births |
| 2000 | #289 | 1,104 | ▼ down 12 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #277 | 997 | ▲ up 10 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #287 | 962 | ▼ down 22 · +2% births |
| 1985 | #265 | 943 | ▲ up 26 · +11% births |
| 1980 | #291 | 850 | ▼ down 67 · -21% births |
| 1975 | #224 | 1,081 | ▼ down 58 · -46% births |
| 1970 | #166 | 1,992 | ▼ down 13 · -19% births |
| 1965 | #153 | 2,472 | — |
The story of Charlotte
Charlotte has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #4 in 2020, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 388,806 babies have been named Charlotte since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #91 in 1880 to #3 in 2023. Charlotte is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Charlotte in 2020:
Charlotte by decade
Charlotte peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,311 | |
| 1890s | 4,771 | |
| 1900s | 6,198 | |
| 1910s | 22,601 | |
| 1920s | 35,824 | |
| 1930s | 34,771 | |
| 1940s | 49,644 | |
| 1950s | 37,074 | |
| 1960s | 24,309 | |
| 1970s | 12,535 | |
| 1980s | 8,508 | |
| 1990s | 9,683 | |
| 2000s | 24,255 | |
| 2010s ★ | 102,313 | |
| 2020s | 13,009 | |
What are good nicknames for Charlotte?
Famous people named Charlotte
CB
Charlotte Brontë
English novelist who wrote Jane Eyre, one of the most celebrated novels in English literature
PC
Princess Charlotte
Daughter of Prince William and Princess Catherine, fourth in line to the British throne
CG
Charlotte Gainsbourg
French-British actress and singer, winner of the Cannes Best Actress award
CC
Charlotte Church
Welsh singer dubbed "Voice of an Angel" who achieved fame as a child soprano
CP
Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Pioneering American feminist and author of The Yellow Wallpaper
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Charlotte?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Charlotte also consider these
How is Charlotte written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Charlotte?
Common questions about the name Charlotte
What does the name Charlotte mean?
Charlotte means "free man" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Charlotte?
Charlotte is currently ranked #3 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Charlotte?
Charlotte originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Charlotte?
Charlotte is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 R L AH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Charlotte more of a girl or boy name?
Charlotte is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.