Charls History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Etymology of Charls

What does the name Charls mean?

The distinguished name Charls comes ultimately from the Germanic personal name Carl, which was Latinized as 'Carolus'. Early forms of the name in Britain predate the Norman invasion, but some bearers of this name no doubt come from Norman stock. The suffix 'son' or 'ston' indicate a patronymic surname created from the name of a father or male relative. In Europe the name's popularity was in no small part due to the fame of Emperor Charlemagne (742-814) or 'Carolus Magnus' in Latin.

Early Origins of the Charls family

The surname Charls was first found in Suffolk where the first record of the name was listed in 1208 when Carolus held estates in that shire. 1

While many of the family were English, in Scotland the name was numerous in Caithness. "Aychin Carlichsoun was witness to an obligation by the earl of Ross in 1439, and in 1494 there is recorded the obit. 'Duncan Charlissoun apud Lochdochord'. The 1439 form has been influenced by the Gaelic form of the name Charles. " 2

There are numerous places named Charleston or Charlestown worldwide, many of which were in honour of King Charles II (1630-1685.)

Early History of the Charls family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Charls research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1253 and 1550 are included under the topic Early Charls History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Charls Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Charls were recorded, including Charleston, Charleson, Charlson, Cherlson, Churlson and many more.

Early Notables of the Charls family

More information is included under the topic Early Charls Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Charls family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Charls family emigrate to North America: Ann Charleston, who arrived in Maryland in 1666; Anthony Charlson, who arrived at the port of New York in 1808; R. Charleston, recorded in Beaver county, Pennsylvania in 1851.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)