Origin & Meaning of the Charles Surname
What does the last name Charles mean?
The surname Charles carries the meaning "Son of Charles." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 61,211 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Charles ranks as the #548 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Charles come from?
The Charles surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Charles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Charles trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Charles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Charles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #548 |
| US Count (2010) | 61,211 |
| Per 100K People | 20.75 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Charles
According to the US Census, the Charles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 61,211 Americans with the Charles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 33.69% |
| Black | 52.96% |
| Hispanic | 7.9% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.01% |
| Native American | 2.07% |
| Two or More Races | 2.37% |
Popularity of Charles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Charles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Charles surname increased by 9,693 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Charles Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Charles ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Charles Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Charles
- ✓ The Charles coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Charles families live today
- ✓ Notable Charles bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Charles
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Charles.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Charles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charles
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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