Charles Lau
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Charles Lau is a name that combines Germanic origins. 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 Lau: Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn. 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: Lau
Vietnamese
Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.
Geographic Distribution
The first name Charles is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name Charles by decade, based on birth registration data:
Name Variants & Related Names
The name Charles has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:
Notable People Named Charles Lau
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 Lau:
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.
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 Lau?
- The surname Lau originates from Vietnamese. Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.
- What are the origins of the name Charles Lau?
- The name Charles Lau combines two different traditions: the first name Charles has Germanic roots, while the surname Lau originates from Vietnamese.