Charlotte
Girl Name French origin
Origin
French
Syllables
2
First Letter
C
Popularity
87/100

Meaning of Charlotte

Free woman, petite and feminine

Origin: French

About the Name Charlotte

With its two clean syllables, Charlotte is a feminine name that has earned recognition across many different cultures. The name means "Free woman". It is consistently among the most widely given names internationally, popular year after year. Its meaning "Free woman" resonates across different cultural contexts, which is part of why the name works beautifully across a wide range of cultures.

The practical question of how Charlotte flows with the family surname is worth considering. It sits comfortably in multicultural environments and is easy to pronounce and spell for teachers, peers, and family members from any background. Names beginning with 'C' tend to have a decisive, memorable quality - easy to announce and easy to remember, internationally and beyond. Notable bearers of the name include Charlotte Brontë (author of Jane Eyre), Princess Charlotte of Wales. Charlotte has stood the test of time as a reliable favourite, and unlikely to feel dated as your child grows.

Sound & Flow

Charlotte is a 2-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Charlotte Tan, Charlotte Lee, or Charlotte Ng.

Pronunciation varies by community.

Cultural Context

Crosses cultural boundaries easily and is used across Chinese, Eurasian, and mixed-heritage families. Works well with both English and Chinese surnames.

Popularity Through History

See all-time rankings →

Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.

1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
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1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
#21
2012
#15
2013
#13
2014
#13
2015
#12
2016
#12
2017
#13
2018
#14
2019
#13
2020
#12
2021
#13
2022
#12
2023
#11
2024
Bar height = popularity rank (taller = higher rank) Hover for exact rank by year

Name Facts & Trivia

Name length
9 letters
Longer name - Often carries a natural nickname.
Syllable pattern
2 syllables
Two-syllable names are the most popular pattern across cultures.
First letter
C
Browse more names starting with C
Gender
Girl
A traditionally girl name across most cultures.

Famous People Named Charlotte

Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.

This name has been carried by notable individuals across many fields including arts, sports, science, and public service globally.

Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Free woman, petite and feminine Its French roots give it a timeless quality that resonates across generations.
Charlotte has a popularity score of 87/100. It is a well-known and widely chosen name — familiar but not overly common.
Charlotte is traditionally a girl name with French origins. It has been used consistently for girls across different cultures and generations.
Test the name across all languages your family speaks to ensure it sounds natural. If you come from a multilingual household, say it in each language you use at home before deciding.
The best middle names for Charlotte depend on your surname and cultural background. Charlotte is versatile — it works with both short and longer middle names. Use our name generator to explore combinations.
Natural nicknames for Charlotte often emerge from how family members start using it. At 2 syllables, there are natural places to shorten it. Try different variations until one feels right for your family.

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