Rising since 1985, #405 for girls today.
Popularity of Carolina since 1880
Babies named Carolina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 179 |
| 1890s | 249 |
| 1900s | 375 |
| 1910s | 817 |
| 1920s | 1,347 |
| 1930s | 1,069 |
| 1940s | 1,102 |
| 1950s | 1,103 |
| 1960s | 1,787 |
| 1970s | 2,593 |
| 1980s | 4,756 |
| 1990s | 9,848 |
| 2000s | 11,073 |
| 2010s | 7,499 |
| 2020s | 4,174 |
Meaning & origin
Carolina, the elegant feminine form of Carolus, has maintained a steady presence in American baby names since the 1880s. It reached its peak popularity in 2004 and has been rising again since 1985. The name is especially favored in Texas, New Mexico, and South Carolina, reflecting its strong Hispanic and Southern appeal. With a current rank of 405 and about 1 in every 2,090 baby girls receiving the name in 2025, Carolina blends Old World charm with modern cross-cultural familiarity, offering parents a classic alternative to the more common Caroline.
Carolina is the feminine form of the Latin name Carolus, which derives from the Germanic word *karlaz* meaning 'free man'. The name spread across Europe through royal and noble usage, particularly in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Scandinavia. In the Anglophone world, it gained popularity as a parallel to Caroline, boosted by the American states North and South Carolina, named after King Charles II.
Where Carolina 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.
“Carolina” around the world
Where Carolina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
45
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Caro, Cari, Lina, Carol
Sibling names for Carolina
Names that share Carolina's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sofia, Valentina, Isabella, Gabriela, Mariana, Joana, Juliana, Leticia, Lorena, Marcela, Maritza, Paulina, Agustina, Alejandrina, Andreina, Avelina, Charleston, Ermelinda, Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Analuisa, Andreia, Ezabella, Georgian, Laurina, Luzelena, Mariaisabel, Pricila, Tomasina, Anabela, Analina, Caldonia, Catalea, Columbia, Louisiana, Lucrecia, Marimar, Miguelina, Alabama, Anagabriela, Mercedies, Southern, Verginia
Brothers: Sebastian, Alejandro, Matteo, Lucas, Diego, Columbus, Reynaldo, Patricio, Paulino, Victoriano, Washington, Jencarlos, Joaquim, Yancarlos, Bolivar, Laureano, Maximiano
Names like Carolina
Names whose popularity has moved with Carolina's over the last 50 years.
