Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Carroll since 1880
Babies named Carroll per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 290 |
| 1890s | 17 | 494 |
| 1900s | 48 | 667 |
| 1910s | 340 | 3,786 |
| 1920s | 603 | 6,759 |
| 1930s | 1,154 | 7,963 |
| 1940s | 1,714 | 7,086 |
| 1950s | 952 | 4,170 |
| 1960s | 571 | 2,110 |
| 1970s | 261 | 1,042 |
| 1980s | 137 | 582 |
| 1990s | 98 | 259 |
| 2000s | 10 | 113 |
| 2010s | 6 | 91 |
| 2020s | 5 | 19 |
Meaning & origin
Carroll is a name with deep Irish roots, anglicized from Cearbhall. It saw its peak in the United States in 1934, when it ranked among the top given names for boys. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining, and it has not appeared in the top 1,000 since the early 2000s. The name carries a sturdy, traditional feel, reminiscent of mid-20th-century America. While it never again reached the heights of the 1930s, Carroll retains a classic appeal for those seeking a name with a strong historical footprint. Its trajectory over the decades reflects broader naming trends, favoring shorter, more modern-sounding names. Today, Carroll is rare but not forgotten, a quiet nod to a bygone era.
Carroll is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Cearbhall, which is derived from 'cearbh' meaning 'hacking' or 'fierce', and 'gal' meaning 'valor' or 'fury'. It was traditionally a masculine name but has also seen use as a surname. In the United States, it gained popularity as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking in the 1930s.
Where Carroll is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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, Carl, Car
Sibling names for Carroll
Names that share Carroll's style, for a brother or sister.
