Carolyn
Meaning: Free woman; strong and womanly
Origin: Latin Carolus, French Caroline — feminine form of Charles, from Old Germanic Karl (free man)
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #119
Total births: 4,413
History: Carolyn peaked in the 1970s in Australia. The name has a sophisticated, composed character. Carolyn represents the generation of Australian women who quietly broke barriers in business and the professions — doing it without fanfare, the Australian way.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1976) | #90 |
| Babies named Carolyn in 1976 | 80 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 4,413 |
| Peak year | 1962 (304 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #32 |
| Years in records | 1952–1976 (24 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 11 spots |
Frequently asked about Carolyn
What does the name Carolyn mean?
Carolyn means “Free woman; strong and womanly” from Latin Carolus, French Caroline — feminine form of Charles, from Old Germanic Karl (free man) roots.
What is the origin of the name Carolyn?
Carolyn has Latin Carolus, French Caroline — feminine form of Charles, from Old Germanic Karl (free man) origin. The traditional meaning is “Free woman; strong and womanly”.
How popular is Carolyn in Australia?
Carolyn ranked #90 in Australia in 1976 — given to 80 babies that year.
When was Carolyn most popular?
Carolyn peaked in 1962 with 304 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Carolyn a boy or girl name?
Carolyn is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Carolyns in registered births are female.
Is the name Carolyn rising or falling in popularity?
Carolyn has fallen 11 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #79 in 1971 to #90 in 1976.
How long has Carolyn been recorded in Australia?
Carolyn appears in birth records in Australia across 24 years — from 1952 through 1976.