Declining since 1985, #2,239 for girls today.
Popularity of Carol since 1880
Babies named Carol per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 120 |
| 1890s | 394 |
| 1900s | 964 |
| 1910s | 5,585 |
| 1920s | 22,978 |
| 1930s | 117,731 |
| 1940s | 292,333 |
| 1950s | 222,656 |
| 1960s | 112,333 |
| 1970s | 23,477 |
| 1980s | 8,808 |
| 1990s | 4,952 |
| 2000s | 2,727 |
| 2010s | 1,379 |
| 2020s | 491 |
Meaning & origin
Carol is a name with a gentle, classic feel that experienced its heyday in the mid-20th century. According to Social Security data, the name peaked in 1945, when it was a top favorite for baby girls. Since then, its usage has been steadily falling, with a notable decline beginning around 1985. Today, Carol is a relatively uncommon choice, ranking 2239 in 2025, which translates to roughly 1 in every 19,601 newborn girls receiving the name. The name has been recorded in the United States since at least 1880, showing its long-standing presence. Regionally, it has seen the most consistent popularity in North Carolina, Florida, and New York, suggesting a broad appeal across different parts of the country. While no longer fashionable, Carol retains a quiet charm, often associated with a generation of women named in the 1930s through the 1950s.
The name Carol has two possible derivations. It is often considered a short form of Caroline, which is the feminine form of Charles, ultimately from the Germanic Karl meaning 'free man'. However, it may also derive directly from the English word 'carol', a joyful song or hymn, which itself comes from Old French 'carole', a round dance with singing. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Carol is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carrie, Cari, Carry
Sibling names for Carol
Names that share Carol's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Diane, Joyce, Janice, Sharon, Laura, Barbara, Darlene, Deanna, Denise, Dianne, Gail, Gayle, Joanne, Sandra, Sherry, Shirley, Barbra, Diann, Dona, Gaye, Joellen, Patrica, Sondra, Barb, Bettyann, Cheryle, Dayle, Sherril, Sherryl, Sheryll, Shirl, Suanne, Charyl, Cherl, Cythia, Donalee, Donnalee, Dyane, Dyanne, Gayl, Joyann, Lorre, Louellen, Maryjean, Patrecia, Sharlet, Sharman, Sheral, Barbar, Beverely, Chyrel, Gaylyn, Janifer, Lindalee, Shirell, Susen, Bevely, Chryl, Deborahann, Donnajean, Dorann, Dorri, Lynnel, Shaaron, Sherald, Sherral, Suzzane
Brothers: Richard, Robert, James, William, John, Dennis, Don, Jerry, Dian, Garry, Gregg, Rod, Rondal, Daryll, Ric, Darrol, Daymond, Garrie, Gayland, Rodd, Rondall, Ronn, Sherard, Bary, Darol, Darrly, Darroll, Gregary, Carold, Glendel, Gregroy, Jerryl, Nowell
Names like Carol
Names whose popularity has moved with Carol's over the last 50 years.
