Charleston is a unique and distinctive given name that has gained popularity in recent years. The name Charleston is of American origin, named after the city of Charleston in South Carolina.
The city of Charleston was founded by English settlers in 1670 and named after King Charles II of England. The name Charleston therefore means "freeholder" or "stronghold," reflecting the city's importance as a port town during colonial times.
The name Charleston has been used as a given name since at least the early 20th century, but it became more popular in the United States in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Today, Charleston is still a relatively uncommon given name, but it is often chosen by parents who are looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
Despite its uniqueness, the name Charleston does not have any particular association with specific traits or characteristics. Instead, the meaning and history of the name make it an appealing choice for parents who want to give their child a name that has a rich and interesting background.
The name Charleston has been given to a total of 2,421 babies in the United States between 1914 and 2023, according to the statistics provided. While it was a popular choice for parents during the early to mid-20th century, with a peak of 71 births in 2014, its popularity has since declined, with only 29 births recorded in 2023.
Throughout the decades, there have been fluctuations in the number of babies named Charleston each year. For instance, during the 1950s and 1960s, the name was given to an average of around 12-14 babies per year. However, it gained significant popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with over 25 births recorded annually between 1977 and 1985.
Interestingly, after a dip in the mid-1980s, the name Charleston experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s, with around 30-50 births per year. This trend continued into the 2010s, reaching its peak in recent years.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, Charleston has remained a relatively uncommon name throughout history. In fact, it ranked as one of the least popular boy's names in the United States in many years between the 1930s and 1980s, according to Social Security Administration data.
Overall, while Charleston may not be the most common or well-known name, its unique sound and historical usage make it an interesting choice for parents looking for something distinctive. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the decades, but its total number of births remains relatively low compared to other names.