The given name Charleston is believed to have originated from the Old English word "ceorl," which means a free man or a peasant. This name likely evolved from a combination of "ceorl" and the Old English word "tun," meaning a town or settlement.

In the early medieval period, the name was likely a descriptive term used to identify someone who lived in a particular town or village inhabited by free peasants. Over time, it became a surname and eventually transitioned into a given name.

The earliest recorded use of Charleston as a first name dates back to the late 16th century in England. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Charleston Sutcliffe, born in 1587 in Yorkshire, England.

In the 17th century, the name gained popularity among Puritans and Protestants, who often chose biblical or virtue-based names for their children. During this period, Charleston Heston, born in 1621 in Lincolnshire, England, was a notable figure who served as a Puritan minister.

As the name spread across different regions and cultures, variations in spelling and pronunciation emerged. In the 18th century, Charleston Whitworth, born in 1707 in Lancashire, England, was a renowned architect responsible for designing several churches and public buildings.

In the 19th century, the name Charleston became more widely used, and several notable individuals bore this name. Charleston Tucker, born in 1832 in Virginia, USA, was a prominent lawyer and politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Another significant figure was Charleston Saunders, born in 1860 in South Carolina, USA, who was a renowned educator and civil rights activist. He dedicated his life to promoting equal educational opportunities for African Americans in the post-Civil War era.

Throughout history, the name Charleston has been associated with individuals from various backgrounds and professions, reflecting its diverse cultural influences and adaptations across different regions.