Holding steady.
Popularity of Caryl since 1896
Babies named Caryl per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Caryl's real moment was 1935.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 | 5 |
| 1900s | 38 | 5 |
| 1910s | 250 | 66 |
| 1920s | 772 | 71 |
| 1930s | 1,255 | 89 |
| 1940s | 1,490 | 50 |
| 1950s | 1,437 | 26 |
| 1960s | 756 | 15 |
| 1970s | 204 | 5 |
| 1980s | 105 | 7 |
| 1990s | 29 | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Caryl is a feminine spelling variant of Carol that enjoyed modest popularity in the early 20th century. According to U.S. Social Security data, the name first appeared in records in 1896 and reached its peak rank in 1935. After the 1930s, usage declined steadily, and by the latest data in 2025, it falls below the top 1000, with too few births to calculate a 1-in-N ratio. The trajectory is described as stable, reflecting continued but very low usage. Caryl was most common in the 1930s, aligning with the popularity of similar vintage names. Although its origins are English and it is often linked to Carol, the name's meaning remains open to interpretation, adding a layer of vintage charm.
Caryl is a spelling variant of Carol, itself an anglicized form of the German name Karola or the French Caroline. The ultimate root is the Germanic element *karlaz meaning 'free man'. The name also coincides with the English word 'carol', a festive song, which influenced its popularity. Caryl was most common in the 1930s, with a peak in 1935.
Where Caryl 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, Lily
Sibling names for Caryl
Names that share Caryl's style, for a brother or sister.
