MallowbyNames

Carlyne

kar-LEEN · Perhaps a feminine form of Carl, meaning 'free man'.

Peak popularity
1936
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Carlyne since 1918

Babies named Carlyne per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4711192019602000Most births 1936Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s6
1920s30
1930s45
1940s56
1950s14
1960s12
1970s0
1980s23
1990s16
2000s5
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Carlyne is a rare feminine name that saw its highest usage in 1936, yet it has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. The name's trajectory has been stable since its first recorded appearance in 1918, with no recent surge in popularity. Its top state usage data is unavailable, suggesting it was used sporadically across the country. The name likely originated as a feminine elaboration of Carl, a name with Germanic roots meaning 'free man'. While not a modern coinage, Carlyne remains an uncommon choice that fits along similar style lines as other '-lynne' names from the early 20th century.

Carlyne is likely a feminine elaboration of Carl, which derives from the Old English and Germanic word 'karlaz' meaning 'free man'. The name may also have been influenced by the similar-sounding Caroline. It emerged in the early 20th century, with its peak popularity in 1936, though it has always been relatively uncommon.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Carly, Lynne

Variants: Carleen, Carlene, Karleen

Sibling names for Carlyne

Names that share Carlyne's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Carlyne, our favorite little girl.

C is for Carlyne…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Carlyne's letter becomes Carlyne's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Carlyne's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Carlyne mean?
Carlyne is likely a feminine form of Carl, meaning 'free man', though its exact origin is uncertain.
How popular is the name Carlyne?
Carlyne has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak year was 1936, when it was most used, though still rare. The name has remained stable in usage since then.
Is Carlyle a boy or girl name?
Carlyne is almost exclusively used for girls.