📅 Since 1880🏆 44 years in top 1001.48% of births at peak
How to pronounce Carolyn
KER·ul·in
/ˈkɛr.əl.ɪn/ · stress on KER · 3 syllables
“Free man”
American origin · Girl name
What does Carolyn mean and where does it come from?
The name Carolyn has origins in multiple languages, with significant popularity in English-speaking countries. It is derived from the name Charles, which has roots in the Germanic word 'karl,' meaning 'free man.' The name Carolyn took on a more feminine form in the 18th century, becoming a popular n
Cultural significance
Carolyn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man.
Holding steady — currently #804 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#804 · Top 0.59%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#804
1,396
▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022
#809
1,376
▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021
#814
1,346
▲ up 138 · +408% births
2020
#952
265
▼ down 201 · -29% births
2015
#751
375
▼ down 15 · -1% births
2010
#736
378
▼ down 247 · -40% births
2005
#489
625
▼ down 181 · -39% births
2000
#308
1,031
▼ down 66 · -12% births
1995
#242
1,175
▼ down 73 · -31% births
1990
#169
1,715
▼ down 14 · -7% births
1985
#155
1,837
▼ down 8 · -5% births
1980
#147
1,929
▼ down 28 · -18% births
1975
#119
2,348
▼ down 35 · -48% births
1970
#84
4,519
▼ down 26 · -35% births
1965
#58
6,969
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Carolyn
1945Rank #12
17,244
#284
↘Falling
1900 - 202328 years
The story of Carolyn
Carolyn has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #10 in 1942, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 557K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #163 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #804 in 2023. Carolyn is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Carolyn means "Free man" — a name rooted in American 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 Carolyn?
Carolyn is currently ranked #804 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 Carolyn?
Carolyn originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Carolyn?
Carolyn is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 R AH0 L IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Carolyn?
Carolyn pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with Carolyn
For a sister
Carolyn & Harrison♡
Carolyn & Dean♡
Carolyn & Grant♡
Carolyn & King♡
For a brother
Carolyn & Harrison♡
Carolyn & Dean♡
Carolyn & Grant♡
Carolyn & King♡
Save your shortlist
Get your saved names emailed to you + weekly picks
Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#804
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
Parents who viewed Carolyn also looked at…
Based on what other parents saved alongside Carolyn