Caroline
Gender: Girl
Meaning: Free woman; strong and womanly
Origin: Latin Carolus, French Caroline — feminine form of Charles, from Old Germanic Karl (free man)
Popularity: Ranked #96 in 2025 with 2,646 babies born.
History: Caroline shares its root with Charlotte and Charles — the great Germanic name meaning free person. Queen Caroline of Ansbach, consort of George II of Great Britain, was a powerful and intelligent queen who gave the name royal prestige in the 18th century. The Neil Diamond song Sweet Caroline (1969) — now a singalong anthem at sporting events worldwide — has given it an irresistible communal joy. Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, carried it with American grace. The name has been in the U.S. top 100 for most of the past century and feels perpetually classic.
Famous people named Caroline: Caroline Wozniacki (tennis player), Princess Caroline of Monaco
Name length: 8 letters
How common is Caroline? About 1 in 1,258 babies born in 2025 were named Caroline, or roughly 7.2 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Caroline
What does the name Caroline mean?
Caroline 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 Caroline?
Caroline 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 Caroline?
Caroline ranked #96 in 2025 — given to 2,646 babies that year.
When was Caroline most popular?
Caroline peaked in 2000 with 5,022 babies registered that year.
Is Caroline a boy or girl name?
Caroline is predominantly a girls' name — over 90% of Carolines in registered births are female.
Is the name Caroline rising or falling in popularity?
Caroline has fallen 25 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #71 in 2020 to #96 in 2025.
How long has Caroline been recorded?
Caroline appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.