Last Name Charlot

The surname Charlot has French origins. It is a diminutive form of Charles, which means "free man" or "brave and strong". This name was popularized by various historical figures named Charles throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. The use of surnames became more common in France during the High Middle Ages (11th-13th centuries), as people started to migrate from rural areas to cities, making it necessary for them to distinguish themselves from others with similar given names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Charlot

The meaning and origin of the last name Charlot

The surname Charlot is primarily of French origin, derived from the medieval given name Charles, which means "free man" or "manly, strong, vigorous." This name was very popular during the Middle Ages due to its association with Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of the Franks who lived in the 8th and 9th centuries. The surname Charlot, a diminutive form of Charles, emerged as a way to differentiate multiple bearers of the name within a family or community. Over time, it has been Anglicized to variations such as Charlet, Chalet, and Charlott. Today, the name is found across various regions, particularly in France and its diaspora communities. It is also a rare given name, mainly used for females, in English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Charlot

The surname Charlot is predominantly found in France, where it originates from the Old Norman language. The highest concentrations are in the historical regions of Normandy and Brittany. Outside of France, significant populations bearing the name can be found in other French-speaking countries such as Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti, due to historical migrations and settlement patterns. Smaller groups of people with this surname can also be traced in the United States and other English-speaking countries, often from descendants of French immigrants. However, its distribution is relatively low compared to more common French last names.

Variants and spellings of the last name Charlot

The surname Charlot has several spelling variations, including: Charlott, Charlot, Charles, Charlette, and Charlottes. These variations stem from differences in the original French spelling, where the masculine form is "Charles" and the feminine form is "Charlotte". Over time, these names have been anglicized, resulting in the variant spellings such as Charlot, which is a combination of both the masculine and feminine forms. Additionally, there may be regional or cultural differences in the spelling of this name. For example, in some regions, the "t" at the end may be dropped, resulting in variants like Charlo or Charle. It's important to note that surnames can also be influenced by historical events and migratory patterns, leading to further variations and spellings of a single name over time.

Famous people with the last name Charlot

The last name Charlot has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Charlie Chaplin, a British actor, filmmaker, and composer, known for his iconic character, the Tramp, in silent films such as "The Kid" (1921), "City Lights" (1931), and "Modern Times" (1936). Another prominent figure with this surname is Alyssa Milano, an American actress, producer, and activist, who gained fame for her roles in TV series like "Who's the Boss?" (1984-1992) and "Charmed" (1998-2006). In addition, there is Isidore Charlot, a French sculptor, known for his innovative approach to animal portraiture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lastly, mention should be made of Charles Charlot, a French footballer who played as a forward in the early 20th century and was part of the France national team during the 1934 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Charlot

The surname Charlot originated from France, specifically Normandy, where it is believed to have been derived from the Old French word "carle" meaning "Charles," a popular first name during the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in the region of Normandy. Over time, various branches and spellings of the family emerged, including Charlot, Charlet, and Charly. One notable branch was the noble family from the county of Eure, where the Charlots were knights during the Hundred Years' War (14th-15th centuries). Later, some members immigrated to Canada in the 17th century, contributing to the expansion of French influence in North America. Today, the surname Charlot is found primarily in France and its former colonies, as well as Canada, the United States, and other countries with significant French-speaking populations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Charlot"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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