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Charlie

♀ Girl

Pronounced CHAR-lee /ˈtʃɑːr.li/High

Meaning: Free woman; strong and free — nickname form of Charlotte or Charlotte, from Old High German Karl (free man)High

In 30 seconds: A friendly nickname-name short for Charlotte, meaning 'free woman.' Charlie for girls has the winning combination of a beloved boy's nickname turned modern girls' name, rising strongly in 21st-century America.
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Origin HighOld High German
MeaningFree woman; strong and free — nickname form of Charlotte or Charlotte, from Old High German Karl (free man)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 23,056

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718812017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Charlie is traditionally a nickname for Charles (boys) or Charlotte (girls), both of which derive from the Old High German Karl, meaning 'free man' (or 'free woman' in feminine form). As a girls' given name it has been used since the 20th century.

Charlie for girls has been rising in the United States in the 21st century, now appearing in the top 200 girls' names. It is part of the broader trend of classic boys' nicknames crossing to girls.

Did you know? Charlie Chaplin (1889–1977), whose real first name was Charles, created the iconic Tramp character — giving the name its associations with both whimsy and heartfelt humanity.

Variations

CharlotteCharleeCharleigh

Nicknames

Char

Famous Bearers

  • ★Charlie Chaplin (1889–1977)
    British actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the silent film era with his iconic Tramp character.

If you like Charlie…

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Charlie mean?

Charlie is a nickname for Charlotte (or Charles), meaning 'free woman' (or 'free man'), from the Old High German Karl.

How do you pronounce Charlie?

It is said CHAR-lee /ˈtʃɑːr.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Charlie a boy or girl name?

Charlie is listed here as a girl's name; it is also used for boys. As a girls' name it is now common in the U.S.

How popular is Charlie?

Charlie has been rising as a girls' name in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 200 girls' names.