Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Charley
GirlEnglish, Germanic· “free man; short for Charles”
- Meaning
- free man; short for Charles
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- CHAR-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #760
- US babies 2025
- 356
- Best rank
- #489 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Charley
Charley is an English and Germanic name that means “free man; short for Charles”.
Charley is a pet form of Charles and Charlotte, which go back to the Germanic karl, meaning man or free man. It was a common nickname in the nineteenth century, when Charley was often used for boys, and it now serves as an independent name mostly for girls in the United States. The Charley spelling feels slightly old-fashioned compared with Charlie, which gives it a vintage charm. It is friendly, bouncy and informal, suited to a playful child and still easy for an adult. Some families pair it with a longer formal name such as Charlotte.
Other spellings with the same sound: Charlie.
Popularity over time
Charley first appears in US Social Security records in 1901. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 17 different years, starting in 2009. Its best national rank was #489 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 641 babies. In 2025, 356 babies were named Charley, and it ranked #760 nationally. That is 41% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,087 in 1920, #3,707 in 1950, #4,761 in 1980, #2,177 in 2000, #828 in 2010, and #760 in 2025. Of the 11,347 US girls named Charley since records began, 47% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,592 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Madilynn, Anabelle, Aleena, Emmalyn, and Anabella.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Charley ranked highest in Idaho, Kansas, and South Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | #318 | 7 |
| Kansas | #366 | 9 |
| South Carolina | #382 | 13 |
| Kentucky | #456 | 9 |
| Colorado | #470 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 84% of US babies named Charley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Charley is usually pronounced CHAR-lee, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Charlie.
Middle names for Charley
A few middle names that flow with Charley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Charley
Similar names
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KAHR-lee
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Tilly Girl
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Lists that include Charley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Charley mean?
Charley is an English and Germanic name that means “free man; short for Charles”.
What is the origin of the name Charley?
Charley has English and Germanic roots. Charley is a pet form of Charles and Charlotte, which go back to the Germanic karl, meaning man or free man.
Is Charley a popular name?
Yes. Charley ranked #760 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Charley a boy or girl name?
Charley is mainly a girl's name. About 84% of US babies named Charley over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Charley?
Charley is usually pronounced CHAR-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings