Declining since 1988, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Chas since 1880
Babies named Chas per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Chas's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 395 |
| 1890s | 208 |
| 1900s | 219 |
| 1910s | 576 |
| 1920s | 421 |
| 1930s | 79 |
| 1940s | 32 |
| 1950s | 16 |
| 1960s | 21 |
| 1970s | 170 |
| 1980s | 454 |
| 1990s | 365 |
| 2000s | 180 |
| 2010s | 72 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Chas is a concise nickname-turned-standalone name, derived from the classic Charles. Though never highly popular, it had its peak in 1880 when it debuted on U.S. records. As of the most recent data in 2025, Chas ranked 12,008th, with a low usage of approximately 1 in 341,615 newborns. The name has been steadily falling in popularity since 1988, reflecting a broader trend away from abbreviated forms. While it lacks a strong regional footprint (no top states), its simplicity gives it a no-frills appeal. Chas remains a rare choice, appealing to parents seeking a short, familiar-sounding name with historical roots.
Chas is a diminutive of Charles, which derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man'. The name Charles became prominent in English through the Norman Conquest and has been borne by numerous kings and saints. As a standalone nickname, Chas emerged in the 19th century, particularly in the United States and Britain, often used informally.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Chaz
Sibling names for Chas
Names that share Chas's style, for a brother or sister.
