What was the actual name of Charlemagne?

According to the Witgeri Genealogica Arnulfi Comitis (written in 961 by the Benedictine monk Witger), Charlemagne, son of Pepin the Short (Pépin le bref in French) was named Karolus (acc. Karolum). The book mentions "Karolum et Karlomannum et Gislam" as children of "Pipinus rex". read more

"Charlemagne" is a truncated translation from French of the sobriquet"Charles the Great." He was named after his grandfather, Charles Martel. Charlemagne's uncle, who held the Merovingian throne for some time, had the related name of Carloman. read more

Last names weren't so important then. Napoleon was the first ot popularize the usage of last names. In some countries, like Scotland or Ireland, you might see a last name like"O'Kelly" to signify the clan they were a part of, or"of Angus" to signify the province. In other countries they would say who their father was or also the region. read more