The name Charlotte is of French origin and is derived from the male given name Charles, which ultimately comes from the Germanic words "karl" meaning "free man" or "strong", and "hiltja" meaning "spear". The female form of the name Charles was first used in England during the Middle Ages. Over time, Charlotte has become a popular choice for girls' names throughout Europe and beyond.
Charlotte was first associated with royalty when it was chosen as the name of the first daughter of King Charles I of France. She was born in 1428 and went on to marry King Henry II of England in 1503. This connection with royalty helped to popularize the name Charlotte among the aristocracy.
In literature, Charlotte is perhaps best known for being the main character's first name in Charlotte Brontë's classic novel "Jane Eyre". The name Charlotte has also been used by several other famous figures throughout history, such as Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who was married to King George III of the United Kingdom.
Today, Charlotte continues to be a popular choice for girls' names around the world. It is often associated with elegance and sophistication due to its royal history, but it remains a timeless and classic name that can suit any family or cultural background.
The name Charlotte has been a presence in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1893. Since then, its popularity has fluctuated over time, experiencing peaks and valleys.
From 1893 to 1974, there were periods where the name was quite popular, such as in 1924 when it reached a high of 13 births, and again in 1958 with another peak at 13 births. However, during these years, the number of births named Charlotte was relatively low compared to more recent times.
There was a notable decline in popularity between 1974 and 2020. In fact, there were several years where only six or fewer babies were named Charlotte each year. The lowest point was in 1986 with just five births, and again in 1951 and 1954 with only five births each year.
However, the tide began to turn in the late 1980s. In 1989, there were a total of 20 births named Charlotte, marking a significant increase from previous years. This upward trend has continued into recent times, as seen by the eight births recorded in 2020.
Overall, despite periods of fluctuation and decline, the name Charlotte has maintained its presence in the United States over time. With a total of 489 births recorded between 1893 and 2020, it's clear that this name continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters.