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Updated August 7, 2024

Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

  • Italian : Valiant, strong, free
  • Spanish : Little and womanly; Variation of Charlotte or Caroline

 

Boy name origins & meanings

  • Old English : Free man

What does Charlie mean and stand for?

The name Charlie is a diminutive of the English name Charles, meaning "free man." It dates back to the Middle Ages when it was very popular in France due to the fame of Charles the Great, also known as Charlemagne.

Syllables: 2

How Popular Is The Name Charlie

Family name origins & meanings

  • English : variant spelling of Charley.

Famous people with this first name

What Does the Name Charlie Mean? 

The name Charlie is of English origin, meaning "free man." Traditionally a boys name and diminutive of Charles, Charlie has become a popular gender-neutral name in the last decade. 

Charlie has long been a common name in the United States, and has grown in popularity in recent years. Once a boys nickname, Charlie has now gained momentum as a girls name, surpassing the number of boys named Charlie in 2015. For girls, Charlie works as a standalone name, or as a nickname of Charlotte. 

How Popular is the name Charlie? 

Charlie is the #122 most popular name in the United States, according to Social Security Administration data. It has become increasingly popular, rapidly jumping the ranks after entering the top 200 in 2016 and top 150 in 2018. It reached its peak in 2020, and doesn't show signs of slowing down. 

However, it is the 17th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com 

Popularity of the Name Charlie in the United States 

Charlie was searched for most often in the following states: 

  • Massachusetts 
  • New Hampshire 
  • Missouri 
  • Rhode Island
  • Montana

Famous People Named Charlie and Charlie in Pop Culture 

As a girls name, model Charlie Barker, actress Charlie Russel, and actress Charlie Hancock are notable namesakes. However, the name is much more popular amongst celebrity children, having been chosen by singer Chris Cheney, model Rebeca Romijn, actor Jeremy Sisto, actor Joshua Marrow, singer Nicolle Galyon, and actors Dave and Odette Annble. 

Charlie is also a popular name for entertainment characters, appearing in Good Luck, Charlie, Hereditary, Revolution, Degrassi, Supernatural, and Graceland

As a boys name, Charlie invokes images of Charlie Chaplin, Charlie Brown, and Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Pairs Well With These Middle Names 

Appears On

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