Charles Tan

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Charles Tan — free man
2.3 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Charles Tan 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 Tan: Tan is a common Chinese surname 譚. It is the 56th most commonly borne surname in China. Origin Two origins have been suggested for the Tan surname: The surname came from the ancient State of Tan which was located in the western part of what is now Shandong Province. During the Spring and Autumn period, this state was conquered by the neighbouring State of Qi. The court changed their surname to Tan in remembrance of their defeated homeland, and later prospered in Hunan Province. 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: Tan

Vietnamese

Tan is a common Chinese surname 譚. It is the 56th most commonly borne surname in China. Origin Two origins have been suggested for the Tan surname: The surname came from the ancient State of Tan which was located in the western part of what is now Shandong Province. During the Spring and Autumn period, this state was conquered by the neighbouring State of Qi. The court changed their surname to Tan in remembrance of their defeated homeland, and later prospered in Hunan Province.

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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 Tan

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 Tan:

11
Expression Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

7
Soul Urge Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

4
Personality Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

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 Tan?
The surname Tan originates from Vietnamese. Tan is a common Chinese surname 譚. It is the 56th most commonly borne surname in China. Origin Two origins have been suggested for the Tan surname: The surname came from the ancient State of Tan which was located in the western part of what is now Shandong Province. During the Spring and Autumn period, this state was conquered by the neighbouring State of Qi. The court changed their surname to Tan in remembrance of their defeated homeland, and later prospered in Hunan Province.
What are the origins of the name Charles Tan?
The name Charles Tan combines two different traditions: the first name Charles has Germanic roots, while the surname Tan originates from Vietnamese.
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