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Updated February 19, 2024

Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

  • French : Little and strong; feminine form of Charles

What does Caroline mean and stand for?

The name Caroline is of French origin and means "strong." It is the feminine version of Charles, which means "free man."

Syllables: 3

How Popular Is The Name Caroline

Family name origins & meanings

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Popularity

According to 2019 Social Security Administration data, Caroline has been consistently popular, remaining in the top 100 since 2000, and steadily growing in popularity. While it has yet to break the top 50, Caroline came close in 2016 and 2017, ranking at 55.

However, it is the 20th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Isabella was at its peak popularity in March 2020.

Caroline has been a popular name for centuries, notably in 1705 with King Charles II's wife, Queen Caroline of Ansbach. George IV also married a Caroline in 1795. The name continued to be in the public eye throughout history with First Lady via President Benjamin Harrison, Jane Austen's character in Pride and Prejudice, Lady Caroline Lamb, the mistress of the poet Lord Byron, and the mother in Little House on the Prairie. Of course, the name also brings to mind Neil Diamonds "Sweet Caroline" hit from 1969.

Where is it Popular?

Caroline was searched for most often in the following states:

Nicknames for Caroline

  • Car
  • Cara
  • Carrie
  • Caro
  • Cora
  • Leena
  • Lina
  • Liney
  • RaRa
  • Roe

Pairs well with these middle names

 

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