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'.

Discover how your Charles ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Charles Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Charles family

Profession Census Frequency
General Labourer 84
Living On Own Means 80
Dress Maker 57
General Servant Domestic 50
Scholar 47
Coal Miner Hewer 47
Cook Domestic 46
Domestic Servant 44
Farmer 44
Coal Hewer 38
Housemaid Domestic 31
Agricultural Labourer 25
Laundress Wash 22
Carpenter 21
House Maid Domestic 20
Charwoman 19
Coal Miner C Hewer 19
Dressmaker 17
Tailor 17
Dock Labourer 16
Gardener 16
Ordinary Agricultural Labourer 16
Commercial Clerk 15
Cotton Weaver 15
House Keeper Domestic 15

Charles Surname Variants Ranking

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

Did you know?

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

Search for the Charles family