What does Caroll mean and where does it come from?
Caroll is a variant spelling of the name Carol, which has roots in the Latin word 'carola', meaning 'a little song' or 'a dance'. Historically, Carol was predominantly used as a female name but has also been used for males. The name rose dramatically in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th
Cultural significance
Caroll has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of song or poem of joy.
Peak popularity
Reached #1055 in 1946 — currently #1080 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Caroll?
Caroll works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Caroll Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Caroll Rose
Floral · soft ending
Caroll Mae
Sweet · timeless
Caroll Claire
French influence · crisp
Caroll Jane
Literary · strong
Caroll Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Caroll right now?
Holding steady — currently #1080 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1080 | 1,120 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1085 | 1,100 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1090 | 1,070 | ▲ up 15513 · +21300% births |
| 2005 | #16603 | 5 | ▼ down 3477 |
| 1990 | #13126 | 5 | ▼ down 4834 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #8292 | 7 | ▼ down 3382 · -42% births |
| 1975 | #4910 | 12 | ▼ down 1299 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #3611 | 17 | ▼ down 531 |
| 1965 | #3080 | 17 | ▼ down 48 |
| 1960 | #3032 | 17 | ▼ down 522 · -15% births |
| 1955 | #2510 | 20 | ▼ down 895 · -41% births |
| 1950 | #1615 | 34 | ▼ down 450 · -26% births |
| 1945 | #1165 | 46 | ▼ down 34 · +10% births |
| 1940 | #1131 | 42 | ▲ up 411 · +75% births |
| 1935 | #1542 | 24 | — |
The story of Caroll
Caroll entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 2,078 total births recorded, Caroll remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4210 in 1920 to #1080 in 2023. Caroll is used for both genders: 63% female and 37% male.
Names that peaked alongside Caroll in 1946:
Caroll by decade
Caroll peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 74 | |
| 1920s | 194 | |
| 1930s | 418 | |
| 1940s ★ | 639 | |
| 1950s | 416 | |
| 1960s | 212 | |
| 1970s | 90 | |
| 1980s | 7 | |
| 1990s | 23 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
💎With 2,078 total births, Caroll is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Caroll?
What names sound and feel like Caroll?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caroll also consider these
Common questions about the name Caroll
What does the name Caroll mean?
Caroll means "song or poem of joy" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Caroll?
Caroll is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Caroll?
Caroll originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Caroll a common or rare name?
Caroll is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Caroll more of a girl or boy name?
Caroll is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.