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Charlie

Boy / Girl name · 6,596 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Charlie: 6,596 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 342 births in 2015.

Charlie is a warm and friendly name that began as a diminutive of Charles, ultimately from the Germanic element *karlaz* meaning "free man." It has been a popular choice in Scotland for decades, often used as a standalone given name rather than just a nickname. Famous bearers include the beloved Scottish comedian and actor Sir Charles "Charlie" Chaplin, though he was born in London, and the jazz legend Charlie Parker, whose virtuosic saxophone playing revolutionised American music. The name also connects to the Scottish town of Charlestown in Fife, which shares the same root. In modern times, Charlie has become a popular unisex name, with many parents choosing it for daughters as well as sons, reflecting a broader trend towards gender-neutral naming.