Sharlotte is a unique and elegant feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "charmante," which means "charming." The name Sharlotte has been used in France for centuries, but it has not gained widespread popularity outside of France until recent years.
The name Sharlotte is composed of two elements: "char" meaning "charm" or "attractiveness," and "-ette," a French diminutive suffix that denotes smallness or endearment. Thus, Sharlotte could be interpreted as a charming little one.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Sharlotte. One of the most famous is Charlotte Corday, a revolutionary figure who played a significant role in the French Revolution. Born into an aristocratic family, she became involved in politics and was eventually executed for her part in the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat.
In literature, Sharlotte appears as a character in several works, including Honoré de Balzac's novel "Père Goriot" and George Sand's play "Gabriel." These appearances have helped to further popularize the name and contribute to its enduring appeal.
Today, Sharlotte continues to be a distinctive and captivating name choice for parents looking for a French-inspired option with a touch of elegance. While it may not be as commonly used as some other French names like Emma or Sophie, those who bear the name Sharlotte carry with them a unique heritage and a charming legacy.
The name Sharlotte has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in the number of babies being given this unique name at birth each year.
From 1930 to 1983, there were periods where Sharlotte was more commonly used. The highest number of births registered during this period occurred in 1947 and 1954, with 26 and 24 babies respectively being named Sharlotte those years.
However, from 1985 onwards, the name became less common, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year until 2008. There was a slight increase between 2008 and 2013, peaking at 19 births in 2013.
Since then, Sharlotte has maintained a relatively steady level of popularity, with between 10 to 27 births recorded each year until the most recent data available in 2023. This shows that while Sharlotte may not be one of the most popular names, it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents who choose to give their daughters this name.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate how the popularity of the name Sharlotte has ebbed and flowed over time in the United States, with different periods of usage and varying levels of preference among parents.