Caroline
Caroline is a girl name of French origin meaning “Free woman, song of joy”, pronounced KAIR-uh-line. It ranked #96 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,646 babies, and peaked at #55 in 2017. Common nicknames: Cara, Carrie, Lina.
How popular is Caroline in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Caroline mean, and where does it come from?
Caroline is a French feminine form of Carolus, the Latin version of Charles, ultimately from the Germanic "karl" meaning "free man." The name was brought to prominence in England by Caroline of Ansbach, the queen consort of King George II, in the early 18th century. Neil Diamond's 1969 hit song "Sweet Caroline" gave the name an enduring place in popular culture. Caroline has a timeless sophistication that bridges both traditional and modern sensibilities, and it remains a consistently popular choice across the English-speaking world.
How is Caroline used around the world?
Caroline is used in 7 languages worldwide, with 20+ international variants.
Male FormCharles
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Caroline?
Famous People Named Caroline
- Caroline Kennedy — American diplomat and daughter of President JFK
- Caroline Wozniacki — Danish tennis champion
- Caroline Herschel — pioneering German-British astronomer
Similar Names to Caroline
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Sibling Name Ideas for Caroline
Looking for names that pair well with Caroline? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Caroline mean?
Caroline is a girl name of French origin meaning "Free woman, song of joy." Caroline is a French feminine form of Carolus, the Latin version of Charles, ultimately from the Germanic "karl" meaning "free man." The name was brought to prominence in England by Caroline of Ansbach, the queen consort of King George II, in the early 18th century.
How do you pronounce Caroline?
Caroline is pronounced KAIR-uh-line. Common variations include Carolina, Carolyn, Karolina.
Is Caroline a girl name?
Yes, Caroline is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Cara, Carrie, Lina, Caro.