Charlayne

Charlayne is a feminine given name that appears to be a variant or elaboration of Charlotte, which derives from the masculine name Charles. The name has French linguistic roots, with the Germanic elements 'karl' meaning 'man' or 'free man' at its core. The suffix '-ayne' adds a distinctive feminine quality, similar to name endings found in French naming patterns. Charlayne gained modest recognition in the United States in the mid-20th century, with a small peak in usage during the 1950s and 1960s. The name received some visibility through notable figures like Charlayne Hunter-Gault, a pioneering journalist and civil rights figure who was one of the first Black students to attend the University of Georgia in 1961. Though never extremely common, Charlayne has maintained a consistent, if limited, presence in naming records throughout the latter half of the 20th century, appreciated for its elegant sound and classic derivation while offering a less common alternative to Charlotte.

Pronounced shar-LANE.

As of October 2026, Charlayne ranked #11604 in US births in 1987 SSA, peaked at #1377 in 1961.