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Charlize
Fact sheet
- Name
- Charlize
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 3
The girl's name Charlize carries the meaning "the free one." It is a feminine form of Charles, derived from Afrikaans and related to the English variant of the Old High German name Karl.
What does the name Charlize mean?
Charlize means "the free one." This feminine variant of Charles has its roots in Afrikaans, one of the official languages of South Africa. The suffix -ize is characteristic of first names from this language. While the name is mainly prevalent in South Africa, it is increasingly gaining popularity in the USA and other countries due to the international recognition of South African actress Charlize Theron, although it is still relatively rarely given in Germany.
Where does the name Charlize come from?
The name Charlize originates from the Old High German Karl, which likely comes from the Proto-Germanic word karaz (man) and its diminutive form karlaz (young, little man), evolving into karal (man, husband, beloved). In Middle Low German, this developed into the word "Kerl," which referred to a "free citizen" or "free man" in the Middle Ages. Therefore, all names derived from Carl/Karl are often translated with "the free one."
How do you pronounce Charlize?
Charlize is pronounced as a two-syllable name with a distinctive initial sound. The pronunciation is "Shar-leez" [ʃaʁˈliːz] or [ʃaʁˈliːs], with the name starting with a soft sh-sound. The emphasized second syllable, containing a long i, gives it a certain charisma. The sibilant at the end contributes to the name's clarity. Overall, Charlize sounds elegant and modern – expressive, clear, and dynamic.
When is the name day of Charlize?
The name day for Charlize, as the feminine form of Charles/Karl, is celebrated on January 7, January 28, March 2, June 3, August 12, August 24, October 21, and November 4.
Popularity
In Germany, Charlize is a valued first name, currently ranking 2,358th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2009 at rank 593. Over the past ten years, Charlize has been chosen as a first name about 160 times, placing it 1,852nd for the decade. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 1,549th. Worldwide, Charlize also appears in the baby name charts.
Nicknames & pet names
Chach / Chachi / Chalz / Char / Charli / Charlie / Charlizi / Charlo / Charlston / Charly / Lieschen / Liz / Lizchen / Lize / Lizzi / Lizzy
Famous people
- Charlize Glass (US dancer)
- Charlize Theron (actress)
- Charlize van der Westhuizen (cricketer from South Africa)
Frequently asked questions about the name Charlize
What does the name Charlize mean?
Charlize means 'the free one' and is the feminine form of Charles. The name has its roots in Afrikaans and is particularly common in South Africa.
How is the name Charlize pronounced?
The name Charlize is typically pronounced as 'Shar-leez.' The emphasis is on the first syllable.
What nicknames are there for Charlize?
There are numerous nicknames for Charlize, such as Chach, Charli, Chalz, or Lizzi. These variants can be chosen based on the child's preferences and personality.
Is Charlize a common name in Germany?
In Germany, Charlize is relatively rare but is gaining attention due to the fame of Charlize Theron. Many parents appreciate the name for its international appeal.