'Charente' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Carantonus', ultimately of Gaulish (Celtic) origin; the precise original elements are uncertain.

'Charente' changed from Latin 'Carantonus' (a Latinized form of the older local name) through Old French 'Charente' and eventually became the modern English and French form 'Charente'.

Initially it was the local name for the river (from an earlier Gaulish/Latin form); over time it has retained its role as the river's name and also came to denote the surrounding administrative department.