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.
Karl, Carleo, Carles, Carlino, Carlisi, Carlo, Carlone, Carlos, Carlozzi, Carolus, Charlemagne, Charleston, Charlet, Charley, Charlot, Del Carlo, Kara, Karen, Karlovich, Karol, Karoly
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 (Sep 23, 1930 - Jun 10, 2004) was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and pianist known as "The Genius". He revolutionized soul music in the 1950s and crossed over to country and pop music in the 1960s. With 18 Grammy Awards and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his influence is timeless.
Annette Charles
Annette Cardona Charles (March 5, 1948 - August 3, 2011) was an American actress, dancer, and educator best known for her role as Charlene "Cha-Cha" DiGregorio in the 1978 film Grease. She later became a professor at California State University, Northridge, before her passing at age 63.
Max Charles
Max Joseph Charles (born Aug 18, 2003) is an American photographer and former actor known for his roles in major franchises like The Amazing Spider-Man and The Lion Guard. He also voiced characters in DreamWorks' Mr. Peabody & Sherman and the Nickelodeon series Harvey Beaks.
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