Carolyn
Carolyn: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɛɹəlɪn/ · /ˈkæɹəlɪn/
Meaning and origin of Carolyn
- A female given name from the Germanic languages, a variant of Caroline used since the 19th century.
Etymology
A variant of Caroline with -lyn.
How popular is Carolyn?
Since 1880, 556,777 girls and 1,620 boys in the U.S. have been named Carolyn (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #10 in 1942. Its highest rank for boys was #741 in 1943. In 2025, 185 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Carolyn
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic girl names
Sibling name ideas for Carolyn
Sister and brother names that share Carolyn's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Carolyn FAQ
What does the name Carolyn mean?
A female given name from the Germanic languages, a variant of Caroline used since the 19th century. A variant of Caroline with -lyn.
What is the origin of the name Carolyn?
Carolyn is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Carolyn?
Since 1880, 556,777 girls and 1,620 boys in the U.S. have been named Carolyn (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #10 in 1942. Its highest rank for boys was #741 in 1943. In 2025, 185 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Carolyn a boy or girl name?
Carolyn is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 556,777 girls and 1,620 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.