Carlyn
Carlyn is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Free woman; dynamic blend of Carlene and Lynn.
Origin and history
Carlyn is a modern feminine name that originated as a variant of Carlene or Caroline, stemming from the Germanic root elements meaning free man or woman. It emerged as a relatively rare given name in the United States during the mid-20th century. Today, it remains an uncommon choice while retaining a classic, familiar rhythm.
Popularity in the United States
4,306 babies in the United States have been named Carlyn since 1880. It ranks #2682 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2024.
States where it is most popular
- CA (35.3 %)
- TX (18 %)
- PA (8.5 %)
- NY (7.2 %)
- IL (5.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 22 |
| 1910-1920 | 105 |
| 1920-1930 | 184 |
| 1930-1940 | 270 |
| 1940-1950 | 486 |
| 1950-1960 | 417 |
| 1960-1970 | 437 |
| 1970-1980 | 320 |
| 1980-1990 | 567 |
| 1990-2000 | 614 |
| 2000-2010 | 505 |
| 2010-2019 | 302 |
| 2020-2029 | 77 |
Nicknames
Carly, Carla, Lyn
Fun facts
- It developed primarily as an alternative spelling and blend derived from names like Caroline and Carlene.
- The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the middle of the 20th century.