Caroline
Caroline is a feminine form of Charles, derived from the Germanic name Karl meaning 'free man.' The name became popular in European royal courts during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Current Popularity
#92 for girls
in the United States (2024)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Easy to spell and pronounce in most languages
- •Works well across different cultures and countries
- •Has royal associations in multiple European countries
- •Offers many nickname options for flexibility
- •Multiple spelling variations exist
Similar Names
Famous People
Caroline Kennedy
Diplomat and author, daughter of President John F. Kennedy
Caroline Wozniacki
Professional tennis player and Grand Slam champion
Caroline Rhea
Actress and comedian
Caroline Herschel
Astronomer who discovered several comets
Statistics
247,746
Total births since 1880
2000
Peak year
Discovery
Keep exploring
Use these paths to keep browsing instead of backing out into a blank search.
Rising now
Browse trending names
See names climbing fastest right now.
Always popular
Explore timeless classics
Find names that have stayed strong for decades.
For this gender
See all-time favorites
Jump into the broadest popularity list.
Stories
Read famous-name profiles
Follow cultural stories that shaped naming trends.
Guides
Browse recent articles
Move from inspiration into editorial advice.