Charles facts for kids

Charles is a popular boy's name that comes from German. It means "free man" or "man." Many famous people throughout history have been named Charles, making it a name with a rich past.

Famous People Named Charles

Many people named Charles have made a big impact in different fields, from science and sports to music and literature.

Inventors and Scientists

• Charles Babbage (1791–1871) was an English inventor and mathematician. He is often called the "Father of the Computer." Babbage designed early mechanical computers, which were amazing for his time. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern computers.
• Charles Darwin (1809–1882) was a famous English naturalist. He developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. This idea explains how living things change over long periods. His book, On the Origin of Species, is very important in science.
• Charles Doolittle Walcott (1850–1927) was an American paleontologist. He studied ancient life forms and fossils. He is famous for discovering many fossils in the Burgess Shale in Canada. This site holds some of the oldest and best-preserved fossils in the world.

Artists and Writers

• Charles Aznavour (1924–2018) was an Armenian-French singer, songwriter, and actor. He was known for his unique voice and emotional songs. He performed all over the world for many decades.
• Charles Chaplin (1889–1977) was an iconic English actor and filmmaker. He became famous for his silent movies, especially his character "The Tramp." Chaplin was a master of comedy and storytelling.
• Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was a well-known English writer. He wrote many classic novels like Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and Great Expectations. His stories often showed the lives of ordinary people in Victorian England.
• Charles Ives (1874–1954) was an American composer. He was one of the first American composers to gain international fame. His music often used different styles and sounds at the same time.
• Charles Frederick Worth (1825–1895) was an English fashion designer. He is often called the "Father of Haute Couture." He created beautiful, custom-made clothing for wealthy clients in Paris.

Leaders and Athletes

• Charles Barkley (born 1963) is a famous American basketball player. He played for several teams in the NBA and was known for his powerful style of play. After retiring, he became a popular sports analyst.
• Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970) was a French general and statesman. He led the Free French Forces during World War II. Later, he became the President of France. He played a key role in shaping modern France.
• Charles Lindbergh (1902–1974) was an American aviator. He became famous for making the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. His plane was called "Spirit of St. Louis."

Rulers and Noblemen Named Charles

Many kings and powerful leaders throughout history have also carried the name Charles.

Kings of England

• Charles I of England (1600–1649) was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649. His reign was a time of great conflict, leading to the English Civil War.
• Charles II of England (1630–1685) was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1660 to 1685. He became king after the English monarchy was restored following the Civil War. His time as king is known as the Restoration period.

Other European Rulers

• Charles I of Spain (1500–1558) was King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor. He ruled over a vast empire that included parts of Europe, the Americas, and Asia. He was one of the most powerful rulers in European history.
• Charles, Prince of Wales (born 1948) was the heir to the British throne for many years. He became King Charles III in 2022. He is known for his interest in environmental issues and architecture.