Charles is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "karl" meaning "free man" or "strong". It is composed of two elements: "karl", which refers to a free man or warrior, and "-man", which signifies humanity or mankind.
The name Charles has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing it. The most famous among them is perhaps King Charles I of England, who ruled from 1625 until his execution in 1649. Other prominent individuals include French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's brother Jerome Charles Bonaparte, as well as various saints and historical figures.
Throughout the centuries, the name Charles has been associated with power, strength, and leadership due to its historical context. However, it is important to note that one should not assume or judge an individual based solely on their name; each person possesses unique qualities regardless of their moniker's origins or meanings.
In terms of popularity, Charles has remained a consistent choice among parents for their sons. It ranks among the top 50 most popular boys' names in several countries, including France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Despite its traditional roots, the name continues to appeal to modern families seeking classic yet timeless options.
Overall, the name Charel – which is an alternate spelling of Charles – offers a strong connection to history while maintaining a contemporary feel. Its meaning as "free man" or "strong" makes it an appealing choice for parents who wish to give their son a powerful and meaningful name with deep roots in European culture.
Statistics show that the name Charel has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. In 1956, there were 5 babies named Charel, and this number remained consistent with another 5 births in 1980. However, the popularity of the name seemed to peak in the early 1980s with 7 births recorded in 1982. The following year, the number of births decreased slightly to 6, and then increased again to 6 in 1990.
In total, over this period from 1956 to 1990, there were 29 babies named Charel born in the United States. While the name may not have been extremely common during these years, it did maintain a consistent presence with at least one baby being named Charel each year between 1956 and 1990.