Carol
Meaning: Free man; strong and manly
Origin: Old Germanic Karl — from carl (free man), the same root as Charles and Charlotte
Gender: Unisex
Rank in Canada: #1755
Total births: 26,806
History: Carol peaked in 1940s and 1950s Canada, a joyful song name popular across Ontario, British Columbia, and the Maritimes. The free man meaning through Charles added strength beneath the musical associations. Carol Shields, the beloved Winnipeg novelist who won the Pulitzer Prize, became the name's most famous Canadian bearer.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Canada’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2020) | #1423 |
| Babies named Carol in 2020 | 6 |
| Total recorded in Canada | 26,806 |
| Peak year | 1946 (1,159 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #6 |
| Years in records | 1918–2020 (98 years of data) |
Frequently asked about Carol
What does the name Carol mean?
Carol means “Free man; strong and manly” from Old Germanic Karl — from carl (free man), the same root as Charles and Charlotte roots.
What is the origin of the name Carol?
Carol has Old Germanic Karl — from carl (free man), the same root as Charles and Charlotte origin. The traditional meaning is “Free man; strong and manly”.
How popular is Carol in Canada?
Carol ranked #1423 in Canada in 2020 — given to 6 babies that year.
When was Carol most popular?
Carol peaked in 1946 with 1,159 babies registered that year in Canada.
Is Carol a boy or girl name?
Carol is predominantly a girls' name in Canada — over 90% of Carols in registered births are female.
How long has Carol been recorded in Canada?
Carol appears in birth records in Canada across 98 years — from 1918 through 2020.