Caroline: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KAIR-uh-line · 3 syllables
Caroline means “free (a feminine form of Charles)”, from French and Germanic.
Borrowed in the 17th century from French Caroline, from Italian Carolina or its etymon Latin Carolina, from Latin Carolus (“Charles”), from Middle High German Karl, + -ina (feminine diminutive suffix). By surface analysis, Carol (male given name) + -ine (feminine diminutive suffix). Doublet of Carolina.
- Meaning
- free (a feminine form of Charles)
- Origin
- French, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- KAIR-uh-line
- US rank (2025)
- #96
- US babies a year
- about 2,896 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Classic, Literary
- Nicknames
- Carrie
How popular is Caroline?
Caroline was the #96 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,646 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #96 |
| Ireland | #378 |
| France | #995 |
| Norway | #390 |
| Canada | #572 |
| Australia | #576 |
How old are people named Caroline?
Half of US adults named Caroline are older than 34; most are between 19 and 78. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Caroline
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Caroline have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Caroline
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- Classic girl names
- Vintage girl names
- Comeback girl names
- Literary girl names
- French girl names
- Germanic girl names
Questions about Caroline
What does the name Caroline mean?
Caroline means “free (a feminine form of Charles)”. It comes from French and Germanic.
How do you pronounce Caroline?
Caroline is pronounced KAIR-uh-line.
How popular is the name Caroline?
Caroline was the #96 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,646 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Caroline?
Half of US adults named Caroline are older than 34. Most are between 19 and 78.