Holding steady.
Popularity of Harles since 1917
Babies named Harles per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 54 |
| 1930s | 44 |
| 1940s | 17 |
| 1950s | 23 |
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 31 |
| 1980s | 32 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Harles is a rare variant of Charles that saw modest use in the early 20th century. First recorded in 1917, the name reached its peak in 1921, though it never ranked among the top 1000 names in the United States. Its trajectory has been stable, with very low but consistent usage over the decades. As a phonetic spin on the classic Charles, Harles offers a distinctive yet familiar sound. The name's association with 'free man' ties it to a long European tradition, but its rarity means it has no strong cultural footprint. For parents seeking an uncommon alternative to Charles with a vintage feel, Harles evokes the naming style of the 1920s.
Harles is a variant of Charles, which derives from the Germanic word *karlaz* meaning 'free man'. The name Charles was introduced to England by the Normans and became common after the reign of Charles I. The spelling Harles likely arose as a phonetic variant in the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Harry, Harl, Charlie
Sibling names for Harles
Names that share Harles's style, for a brother or sister.
