A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Karolyn since 1912
Babies named Karolyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 47 |
| 1920s | 111 |
| 1930s | 472 |
| 1940s | 1,355 |
| 1950s | 791 |
| 1960s | 869 |
| 1970s | 651 |
| 1980s | 470 |
| 1990s | 468 |
| 2000s | 360 |
| 2010s | 252 |
| 2020s | 111 |
Meaning & origin
Karolyn first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1912, and reached its peak popularity in 1941, with a rank of 6,325 in 2025. The name has been rising in use since 2020, and approximately 1 in 89,293 babies were given this name in 2025. As a modern spelling variant of Carolyn, it reflects the mid-20th century fashion for names ending in -lyn. While not among the most common names, Karolyn has a classic, feminine sound that appeals to parents seeking a less common alternative to Caroline or Carolyn.
Karolyn is a spelling variant of Carolyn, itself a feminine form of Carol, which comes from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man'. The name entered English usage in the 19th century and gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the mid-1900s.
Where Karolyn 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: Kari, Lyn, Carrie, Kara
Sibling names for Karolyn
Names that share Karolyn's style, for a brother or sister.
