Caroline
Free woman, song of joy — a girl name of French origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Caroline
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.
Caroline 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.
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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Caroline
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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.
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