Charles

Charles is an English and French given name derived from the Germanic element hari or karl, meaning "man" or "free man," the same root that underlies the Latin form Carolus. The name rose to extraordinary prominence through the Frankish emperor Charlemagne, whose Latin name Carolus Magnus meaning "Charles the Great" made it a prestige name across medieval Europe. It was further spread by numerous European monarchs, including multiple kings of England, France, and Spain. Related forms include Carl and Karl in German and Scandinavian traditions, Carlo in Italian, Carlos in Spanish and Portuguese, and the feminine forms Caroline and Charlotte.