Alternatives to Charlie

Charlene

English feminization of Charles, German and French

"free man"

Charlene is a Charlotte variation that, along with similar names like Arlene and Marlene, spiked in popularity in the 1940s and fifties, reaching a high of Number 100 in 1949. Most parents today…

Carly

English feminization of Carl, German

"free man"

Though a couple of its more "creative" spellings—Carli and Karlee, for example—are still on the rise, this feminine form of Carl, popularized by singer Carly Simon in the 1970s, could by no stretch…

Casey

Irish

"brave in battle"

One of the original unisex Irish surname names, energetic Casey bounced onto the scene in the 1960s, then peaked in the 1980s for both boys and girls. Today Casey is having a resurgence for both…

Cam

Diminutive of Cameron or Camilla

A Pam for the modern age, improved by a harder edge and a tad less prissiness.

Cammy

Cammy is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Cameron or Camilla. The name has Scottish roots in its connection to Cameron, which means 'crooked nose' or 'crooked river'…

Cassie

Diminutive of Cassandra, Greek

"prophetess"

Though not much in use, still retains a cozy Little House on the Prairie-type pioneer feel.

Cass

English diminutive of Cassandra or Cassia, Greek

"shining or excelling man; cinnamon"

Ties to the unfortunate Mama are now unraveling, leaving Cass or Cassie to stand on its own as a fresher sounding Cathy or Kate. With gender-neutral names abound and the growing trend of boyish…