A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Carola since 1894
Babies named Carola per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1961, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Carola's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 29 |
| 1900s | 34 |
| 1910s | 108 |
| 1920s | 102 |
| 1930s | 120 |
| 1940s | 158 |
| 1950s | 169 |
| 1960s | 157 |
| 1970s | 83 |
| 1980s | 50 |
| 1990s | 33 |
| 2000s | 48 |
| 2010s | 39 |
| 2020s | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Carola is a classic feminine name that saw its peak popularity in the United States in 1894, when it first entered the records. After a long period of obscurity, it began a notable rising trend starting in 2019, reflecting renewed interest in vintage Germanic names. Despite its rarity today, occurring in roughly 1 in 200,908 births in 2025, it carries a strong historical pedigree. Carola is derived from the masculine Carolus, a Latinized form of Karl, and shares roots with the more common Caroline and Carol. Its sound and structure align with many turn-of-the-century names, making it a distinct choice for parents seeking something uncommon but not fabricated.
Carola is a feminine form of Carolus, the Latinized version of the Germanic given name Karl, meaning 'free man'. The name gained popularity in Scandinavia and Germany in the 19th century, often used as a variant of Caroline. Its use peaked in the late 1800s in the United States, with a recent revival trend.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Caro, Lola, Carrie
Sibling names for Carola
Names that share Carola's style, for a brother or sister.
