Caroline: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Caroline mean and stand for?

Meaning:

French: Free woman or song of happiness
German: Strong or free
Italian/Latin: Joyful song

Gender: Female

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Caroline is pronounced KAIR-uh-line

Caroline is of French, German, and Italian/Latin origin, meaning "free woman" or "song of happiness." It embodies strength, joy, and elegance, making it a timeless choice for a girl's name.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Irish: variant of Carolan.

Famous people with this first name

Caroline Kennedy-Schlossberg

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Katie Couric

Caroline in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share the first name?

Caroline Forbes from The Vampire Diaries - A smart, ambitious, and loyal friend in the supernatural drama. Caroline evolves from being a high schooler to a strong vampire who always puts her loved ones first.
Caroline Bingley from Pride and Prejudice - A wealthy and elegant character in Jane Austen's novel, known for her wit, sharp tongue, and her unrequited admiration for Mr. Darcy.
Caroline Channing from 2 Broke Girls - A formerly wealthy socialite turned waitress, known for her resilience, humor, and determination to rebuild her life with her best friend Max.
Caroline Ingalls from the Little House on the Prairie series - A nurturing and resourceful mother, Caroline is the backbone of the Ingalls family. She is known for her strength, perseverance, and unwavering support for her family as they face the challenges of pioneer life.

Popularity of the Name Caroline

According to Social Security Administration data, Caroline has been a consistently popular name, ranking in the top 100 for decades. It has a timeless charm and remains a favorite choice for parents. The name Caroline has French and Latin origins, meaning "free woman" or "strong." Historically, it gained prominence through European royalty, most famously Queen Caroline of Ansbach. It has been embraced across cultures and eras, maintaining its classic appeal.

Notable Caroline figures include Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, and singer-songwriter Caroline Polachek. The name also carries a musical association with Neil Diamond’s iconic song “Sweet Caroline.”