Charles

The story

1. Proto-Germanic · derived from*karilaz“free man”
2. Old High German · derived fromKarl
3. Latin · derived fromCarolus
4. Old French · derived fromCharles
5. French · derived fromCharles
6. English todayCharles

From French Charles, from Old French Charles, Carles, from Latin Carolus, from and also reinfluenced by Frankish and Old High German Karl, from Proto-Germanic *karilaz (“free man”); compare the English word churl and the German Kerl. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a clipping of the original name King Charles's Island, granted in honor of Charles II of England.

Words from the same roots