Carolina

Free woman — a girl name of Italian/Spanish origin

GenderGirl
MeaningFree woman
Pronunciationkair-oh-LEE-nuh

Popularity of Carolina in the United States

#405Rank in 2025
769Births in 2025
#254 in 2004Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Carolina

Carolina is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese feminine form of Charles, sharing the same Germanic root "karl," meaning "free man." The name also carries a distinctly American resonance through the states of North and South Carolina, both named in honor of King Charles I and II of England. Carolina blends European elegance with a warm, sunny familiarity across many cultures.

Carolina Around the World

Carolina is used in 8 languages worldwide, with 14+ international variants.

Languages
ItalianSpanishPortugueseCatalanDutchSwedishGalicianAsturian
Details

Male FormCarolinus

International Variants
KarolinaPolish
KarolineGerman
CarolynEnglish
KaroliinaFinnish
CarolineFrench
KarlijnDutch
KarolínaCzech
CarlijnDutch
Carolyne
CarolinGerman
Karolyn
CarolienDutch
CoralinaSpanish
CarolettaEnglish

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Carolina

CaroLinaCarrie

Famous People Named Carolina

  • Carolina Herrera — Venezuelan fashion designer
  • Carolina Kostner — Italian figure skater

Similar Names to Carolina

If you like Carolina, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:Isabela

Sibling Name Ideas for Carolina

Looking for names that pair well with Carolina? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Carolina mean?

Carolina is a girl name of Italian/Spanish origin meaning "Free woman." Carolina is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese feminine form of Charles, sharing the same Germanic root "karl," meaning "free man." The name also carries a distinctly American resonance through the states of North and South Carolina, both named in honor of King Charles I and II of England.

How do you pronounce Carolina?

Carolina is pronounced kair-oh-LEE-nuh. Common variations include Caroline, Karolina, Carolyn.

Is Carolina a girl name?

Yes, Carolina is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Caro, Lina, Carrie.

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