Holding steady.
Popularity of Caro since 1883
Babies named Caro per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1953, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Caro's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 37 |
| 1920s | 50 |
| 1930s | 39 |
| 1940s | 53 |
| 1950s | 58 |
| 1960s | 17 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Caro is a name used primarily as a short form of Caroline, with roots in Italian, German, and English. Its recorded U.S. usage began in 1883, which remains its peak year, though overall it has never entered the top 1000. The name has maintained a stable trajectory over time, rarely but consistently appearing. While not common, its simplicity and connection to Caroline give it an understated appeal.
Caro is predominantly a diminutive of Caroline or Carolina, derived from the Germanic element 'karl' meaning 'free man'. It has been used independently in Italian, German, and English contexts since the 19th century. In Italian, 'caro' also means 'dear' or 'beloved', though this likely reinforced rather than originated the name.
Sibling names for Caro
Names that share Caro's style, for a brother or sister.
