Carolina
Carolina: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkæɹəˈlaɪnə/ · /ˌkaɹəˈlɑjnə/
Meaning and origin of Carolina
Root meaning: “Charles”
- A female given name from Latin, Latinate form of Caroline; rare in English.
Etymology
From Italian Carolina or its etymon Latin Carolīna, from Carolus (“Charles”) + -īna (feminine diminutive suffix). By surface analysis, Carol (male given name) + -ina (feminine diminutive suffix). Doublet of Caroline. The U.S. states are named for Charles I of England.
How popular is Carolina?
Since 1880, 47,971 girls and 137 boys in the U.S. have been named Carolina (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #254 in 2004. Its highest rank for boys was #3156 in 1944. In 2025 it ranked #405 for girls, with 769 babies given the name.
Names similar to Carolina
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin girl names
Sibling name ideas for Carolina
Sister and brother names that share Carolina's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Carolina FAQ
What does the name Carolina mean?
Carolina traces back to a root meaning "Charles". A female given name from Latin, Latinate form of Caroline; rare in English. From Italian Carolina or its etymon Latin Carolīna, from Carolus (“Charles”) + -īna (feminine diminutive suffix). By surface analysis, Carol (male given name) + -ina (feminine diminutive suffix). Doublet of Caroline. The U.S. states are named for Charles I of England.
What is the origin of the name Carolina?
Carolina is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Carolina?
Since 1880, 47,971 girls and 137 boys in the U.S. have been named Carolina (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #254 in 2004. Its highest rank for boys was #3156 in 1944. In 2025 it ranked #405 for girls, with 769 babies given the name.
Is Carolina a boy or girl name?
Carolina is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 47,971 girls and 137 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.