Charlotte

Meaning: feminine form of Charles — 'free man' · Origin: French · Gender: usually a girl's name

Origin & history

A French feminine diminutive of Charles, from Germanic karl ('free man'). Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and novelist Charlotte Brontë made it classic in English.

Famous people named Charlotte

Charlotte Brontë (novelist)
Princess Charlotte of Wales
Charlotte Gainsbourg (actor)

Nicknames

Lottie, Charlie, Lotte

Variants & related names

Carlota, Carlotta, Charlotta

Charlotte name art

A free preview of a printable “Charlotte” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.

Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.

FAQ

What does the name Charlotte mean?

Charlotte means “feminine form of Charles — 'free man'”. It comes from French.

Is Charlotte a popular name?

Yes — Charlotte has been one of the most popular girls' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.

What are nicknames for Charlotte?

Lottie, Charlie, Lotte.

What are other forms of Charlotte?

Carlota, Carlotta, Charlotta.

Similar names

Eloise · Allison · Elise · Magnolia · Elodie · Margot

More: names starting with C · all girls' names

Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.