Caroline
Caroline is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Free woman.
Origin and history
Caroline is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Latinized masculine name Carolus (meaning Charles). It has maintained strong popularity in the United States for generations, consistently ranking among the top 100 names for girls in recent years. It is widely regarded as a classic, elegant, and timeless name in English-speaking countries.
Popularity in the United States
250,410 babies in the United States have been named Caroline since 1880. It ranks #165 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #78.
States where it is most popular
- NY (8.6 %)
- CA (7 %)
- TX (6.8 %)
- PA (5.7 %)
- NC (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 3,743 |
| 1890-1900 | 4,500 |
| 1900-1910 | 4,276 |
| 1910-1920 | 10,591 |
| 1920-1930 | 12,694 |
| 1930-1940 | 10,844 |
| 1940-1950 | 11,625 |
| 1950-1960 | 8,985 |
| 1960-1970 | 16,770 |
| 1970-1980 | 12,287 |
| 1980-1990 | 17,943 |
| 1990-2000 | 36,827 |
| 2000-2010 | 41,850 |
| 2010-2019 | 39,633 |
| 2020-2029 | 17,842 |
Famous people named Caroline
- Caroline Kennedy: Diplomat, Author
- Caroline Wozniacki: Tennis Player
- Caroline Rhea: Actress, Comedian
Nicknames
Carrie, Carol, Caro, Carly
Fun facts
- The name became popular across Europe due to numerous royal figures, including Queen Caroline of Ansbach.
- Neil Diamond wrote the hit song 'Sweet Caroline' in 1969, which became an enduring sports and cultural anthem.