Charlize is a variant of Charlotte. Charlotte originates in Germanic languages and it means "free woman". It is a feminine form of Charles. Charlotte is a popular name in the United States, but its popularity is even bigger outside the U.S., specifically in Australia and Great Britain. One of the famous bearers was the English writer and author of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte. Charlotte is also the name of several places in the United States, including the largest city of North Carolina. The name Charlize was popularized by the South African actress Charlize Theron.