Charles Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Charles Name Meaning: Believd to originate from the German 'Churl' which was used to refer to a 'free man'. Also derived from the name 'Carl/Karl' meaning 'man' or the naglo-Saxon word 'ceorl' meaning 'farmer'.

A name that was thought to be introduced by the Normans to England, may have been used to describe a 'free man' or 'peasant' or a 'farmer'.

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Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Charles Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Charles family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 1,211
Coal Miner 123
Agricultural Labourer 114
Domestic Servant 68
Dress Maker 68
General Servant 59
General Labourer 56
Labourer 50
Annuitant 42
Laundress 29
Farm Labourer 29
Gardener 22
General Servant Domestic 20
Carpenter 19
No Occupation 18
Tailor 18
Charwoman 17
Joiner 17
Shoe Maker 17
House Keeper 16
Farm Servant Indoor 15
Wife 15
Farmers Wife 15
Bricklayer 14
Servant 14

Charles Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Charles 100% 49,250
2 Charls 86% 172

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The surname Charles is the most popular version of all its varients

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