Declining since 2001, #96 for girls today.
Popularity of Caroline since 1880
Babies named Caroline per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2000, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Caroline's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,743 |
| 1890s | 4,500 |
| 1900s | 4,276 |
| 1910s | 10,591 |
| 1920s | 12,694 |
| 1930s | 10,844 |
| 1940s | 11,625 |
| 1950s | 8,985 |
| 1960s | 16,770 |
| 1970s | 12,287 |
| 1980s | 17,943 |
| 1990s | 36,827 |
| 2000s | 41,850 |
| 2010s | 39,633 |
| 2020s | 17,842 |
Meaning & origin
Caroline has been a steady presence in American baby naming since records began in 1880, when it first appeared. It reached its peak popularity in 1881, ranking among the top names of that era. However, its trajectory has been falling since 2001, reflecting a slow but consistent decline in usage over the past two decades. Despite this, Caroline remains a classic choice, with a 1-in-607 occurrence rate in 2025. Its top states include the District of Columbia, Alabama, and Arkansas, showing broad geographic appeal. The name's enduring charm lies in its elegant, feminine sound and royal associations, as it has been borne by queens and first ladies. With its French roots and versatile nickname options, Caroline continues to be a refined choice for parents seeking a traditional yet not overly common name.
Caroline is the feminine form of Carolus, the Latinized form of Charles, which comes from the Germanic word *karlaz meaning 'free man.' The name was introduced to England by the French in the 17th century, and it has been used consistently since then, particularly in aristocratic families. In Italy, Carolina is a common variant.
Where Caroline 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.
“Caroline” around the world
Where Caroline lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carrie, Carol, Caro, Lina, Caz
Sibling names for Caroline
Names that share Caroline's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Charlotte, Eleanor, Grace, Alice, Claire, Clarissa, Jacqueline, Katherine, Kathryn, Victoria, Virginia, Annalee, Henrietta, Juliann, Emaline, Julieanna, Rosalynn, Carianne, Correne, Magdalyn, Annelie, Kathrina, Marykatherine, Wilhelmine, Alisabeth, Gerardine, Matalie, Paulena, Viriginia
Brothers: William, Henry, James, Charles, Thomas, Christopher, Clinton, Nicholas, Randall, Stephan, Keaton, Carnell, Fitzgerald, Stafford, Woodson, Antonie, Cantrell, Carlous, Carlus, Christoffer, Rutherford, Alanson, Chales, Chrles, Jerritt
Names like Caroline
Names whose popularity has moved with Caroline's over the last 50 years.
