Charlie

Charlie is an English familiar form of Charles, which derives from the Germanic name Karl, rooted in an Old High German word meaning man or free man. The name gained widespread use across Europe largely through the fame of Charlemagne, the eighth-century Frankish emperor whose Latinized name, Carolus Magnus, means Charles the Great. Originally a diminutive or nickname, Charlie has long functioned as an independent given name for both males and females. Related forms include Charles, Charlotte, Charla, Carlo, and Carlos.