Caroline
Caroline: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkæɹ.əˌlaɪn/ · /ˈkæɹ.əˌlɪn/
Meaning and origin of Caroline
Root meaning: “Charles”
- A female given name from the Germanic languages.
Etymology
Borrowed in the 17th century from French Caroline, from Italian Carolina or its etymon Latin Carolīna, from Latin Carolus (“Charles”), from Middle High German Karl, + -īna (feminine diminutive suffix). By surface analysis, Carol (male given name) + -ine (feminine diminutive suffix). Doublet of Carolina.
How popular is Caroline?
Since 1880, 250,410 girls and 309 boys in the U.S. have been named Caroline (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #55 in 2017. Its highest rank for boys was #995 in 1891. In 2025 it ranked #96 for girls, with 2,646 babies given the name.
Names similar to Caroline
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic girl names
Sibling name ideas for Caroline
Sister and brother names that share Caroline's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Caroline FAQ
What does the name Caroline mean?
Caroline traces back to a root meaning "Charles". A female given name from the Germanic languages. Borrowed in the 17th century from French Caroline, from Italian Carolina or its etymon Latin Carolīna, from Latin Carolus (“Charles”), from Middle High German Karl, + -īna (feminine diminutive suffix). By surface analysis, Carol (male given name) + -ine (feminine diminutive suffix). Doublet of Carolina.
What is the origin of the name Caroline?
Caroline is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Caroline?
Since 1880, 250,410 girls and 309 boys in the U.S. have been named Caroline (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #55 in 2017. Its highest rank for boys was #995 in 1891. In 2025 it ranked #96 for girls, with 2,646 babies given the name.
Is Caroline a boy or girl name?
Caroline is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 250,410 girls and 309 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.