Charles Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Charles come from? What does the surname Charles mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Charles and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Charles Origin: What does the last name Charles mean?
The surname Charles has a rich history dating back to the early 13th century in the United Kingdom. It is believed to have originated as a personal name, meaning "man" or "warrior," and later evolved into a surname. Over time, the Charles surname became increasingly prevalent in the United States, indicating a shift in its distribution from the UK to the US. Today, the Charles surname remains prominent in the United States and is also found in various regions worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Charles surname in the United Kingdom since the 13th century, with a significant increase in records in the United States from the 17th century onwards. The surname has continued to spread globally, with individuals bearing the Charles name found in countries such as Australia, Sri Lanka, Dominica, and Trinidad. This widespread distribution highlights the global reach and longstanding presence of the Charles surname across different cultures and regions.
Charles Last Name History: Where did the last name Charles come from?
Origin of Charles Surname: Where does the last name Charles originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Charles first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Charles” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Charles: What does the Charles surname history look like in the early days?
The “Charles” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 13th through the 15th century. YourRoots data then begins to show a significant increase in the number of Charles family records in the United States starting from the 17th century, indicating a shift in the distribution of the surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Charles surname today?
By the 17th century, the frequency of records with the Charles surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the “Charles” surname remains prominent in the United States, while also being present in other regions worldwide. However, the exact countries in which the surname is most prevalent today would require additional data beyond the 19th century.
Explore Charles last name heritage and Charles surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Charles Surame?
Ray Charles
Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist known as "The Genius". Blind since childhood, he pioneered soul music by blending blues, jazz, and gospel. His hits like "Georgia on My Mind" and "Modern Sounds" crossed musical boundaries, earning him 18 Grammy Awards and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ray Charles' unique talent and groundbreaking contributions to music have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Josh Charles
Joshua Aaron Charles (born Sep 15, 1971) is an American actor known for his roles in Sports Night, The Good Wife, and films like Dead Poets Society and Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. He has received Emmy nominations for his work and has appeared in various stage productions. Charles is also known for his ties to Baltimore, where he was born and raised, and his active involvement in city politics. He is married to ballet dancer Sophie Flack and has two children. Charles has shown support for various political causes and has remained active in the entertainment industry.
Craig Charles
Craig Joseph Charles (July 11, 1964) is an English actor, comedian, and radio presenter known for his roles as Dave Lister in the sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf and Lloyd Mullaney in the soap opera Coronation Street. He also hosted Robot Wars, narrated Takeshi's Castle, and DJs on BBC Radio. Charles began as a performance poet before transitioning into stand-up comedy and acting. With a mixed heritage, he grew up in Liverpool and has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1980s. Charles continues to make appearances on television and radio, showcasing his talent and humor to audiences worldwide.
John Charles
William John Charles (27 Dec 1931 – 21 Feb 2004) was a Welsh footballer known as one of the greatest players in history. He played for Leeds United and Juventus, winning multiple titles. Charles was versatile, excelling as a center-forward and center-back. His nickname, "The Gentle Giant," reflected his fair play on the field. He represented Wales for over 15 years and was named the Golden Player of Wales by UEFA. Charles left a lasting legacy in football, being inducted into the Football Hall of Fame and named one of the Football League 100 Legends.
Annette Charles
Annette Joanne Funicello (October 22, 1942 – April 8, 2013) was an American actress and singer who rose to fame as one of the most popular "Mouseketeers" on the original Mickey Mouse Club. She later starred in numerous Disney films and popular beach party movies in the 1960s, becoming a teen idol. Funicello's wholesome image and talent endeared her to audiences, making her a beloved figure in pop culture. She faced health challenges later in life but remained a symbol of innocence and charm. Funicello's contributions to entertainment and her enduring legacy continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
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