Declining since 1991.
Popularity of Charmaine since 1913
Babies named Charmaine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 31 |
| 1920s | 470 |
| 1930s | 922 |
| 1940s | 1,096 |
| 1950s | 3,370 |
| 1960s | 2,492 |
| 1970s | 2,730 |
| 1980s | 2,066 |
| 1990s | 1,581 |
| 2000s | 376 |
| 2010s | 179 |
| 2020s | 62 |
Meaning & origin
Charmaine is a modern English invention that first appeared in U.S. birth records around 1913. The name enjoyed a brief period of popularity in the mid-20th century, reaching its highest rank of 371 in 1952, when approximately one in every 3,700 newborn girls received the name. Since then, its use has steadily declined, and after 1991 it no longer appeared among the top 1,000 names. The name's trajectory reflects the broader pattern of invented or blended names that became fashionable in the 1950s but later fell out of favor. Despite its mid-century peak, Charmaine never concentrated strongly in any particular state, and its origins remain uncertain, though it may derive from the classical name Charmian or the English word 'charm.' Its stylistic resemblance to other -aine names like Lorraine and Elaine likely contributed to its appeal during that era.
Charmaine likely emerged in the early 20th century, possibly as a modern coinage blending the name Charmian (derived from Greek charma 'joy') with the feminine suffix -aine, popularized by names like Lorraine. It may also have been influenced by the English word 'charm' or the French 'charme' meaning charm. The name gained moderate popularity in the 1950s but has since declined.
Where Charmaine is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Char, Charm, Maine
Sibling names for Charmaine
Names that share Charmaine's style, for a brother or sister.
