Charles Clarke

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Charles Clarke — free man
2.3 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Charles Clarke is a name combining Germanic origins, bringing together "free man" (Charles) with "clerk" (Clarke). The first name Charles is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. From the Germanic Karl, meaning "free man." Latinized as Carolus, it gave us Charlemagne and the Carolingian dynasty. The surname Clarke: Clarke is a surname which means "clerk". The surname is of English and Irish origin and comes from the Latin clericus. Variants include Clerk and Clark. Clarke is also uncommonly chosen as a given name. Irish surname origin Clarke is a common surname in Ireland. The Irish version of the surname is believed to have come from County Galway and County Antrim and spread to County Donegal and County Dublin. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic sept Ó Cléirigh, meaning "clerk". English surname origin Clarke, as well as Clark, is also a widespread surname in England. Charles is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 2.3 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Charles reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Charles

Meaning: free man

Germanic

From the Germanic Karl, meaning "free man." Latinized as Carolus, it gave us Charlemagne and the Carolingian dynasty.

Surname: Clarke

Meaning: clerk

Latin

Clarke is a surname which means "clerk". The surname is of English and Irish origin and comes from the Latin clericus. Variants include Clerk and Clark. Clarke is also uncommonly chosen as a given name. Irish surname origin Clarke is a common surname in Ireland. The Irish version of the surname is believed to have come from County Galway and County Antrim and spread to County Donegal and County Dublin. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic sept Ó Cléirigh, meaning "clerk". English surname origin Clarke, as well as Clark, is also a widespread surname in England.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Charles is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 46%
United Kingdom 24%
Germany 13%
Australia 9%
Canada 8%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Charles by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Name Variants & Related Names

The name Charles has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:

  • Charlie
  • Chuck
  • Carlo
  • Carlos
  • Karl
  • Karol

Notable People Named Charles Clarke

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Charles Clarke:

8
Expression Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

3
Soul Urge Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

5
Personality Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Charles?
The first name Charles originates from Germanic. From the Germanic Karl, meaning "free man." Latinized as Carolus, it gave us Charlemagne and the Carolingian dynasty.
When was Charles most popular?
The name Charles reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Clarke?
The surname Clarke originates from Latin. Clarke is a surname which means "clerk". The surname is of English and Irish origin and comes from the Latin clericus. Variants include Clerk and Clark. Clarke is also uncommonly chosen as a given name. Irish surname origin Clarke is a common surname in Ireland. The Irish version of the surname is believed to have come from County Galway and County Antrim and spread to County Donegal and County Dublin. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic sept Ó Cléirigh, meaning "clerk". English surname origin Clarke, as well as Clark, is also a widespread surname in England.
What are the origins of the name Charles Clarke?
The name Charles Clarke combines two different traditions: the first name Charles has Germanic roots, while the surname Clarke originates from Latin.
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