Carolyn Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Carolyn is a name of Latin origin, meaning 'free man'. It evolved from the Latin 'Carolus' through various forms, including Charles and Caroline, before becoming popular as Carolyn. The name is characterized by its classic appeal and has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 20th century and is associated with notable figures in various fields.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Carolyn"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛr.ə.lɪn/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Carolyn is derived from the Latin name 'Carolus', which is a diminutive form of 'Charles', meaning 'free man'. It became popular as a feminine name in the 20th century.
Meaning
free man
Language Evolution
Carolus (Latin), Charles (Old French), Caroline (French), Carolyn (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Carolyn gained popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century and has remained a common name since then.
Variants & Derivatives
Caroline, Carol, Carrie, Carly
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Carolyn is viewed as a classic and timeless name, often associated with elegance and tradition.
Famous People
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Carolyn McCarthy, Carolyn Jones, Carolyn Murphy
📊 Carolyn Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Carolyn Name Visualizations
✨ Carolyn Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 20,787 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Arkansas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Carolyn" - Complete Guide (9 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Carolyn". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 9 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Carolyn" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Carolyn"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Carolyn"
"Carolyn" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4523rd of 7545 | 44 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1138th of 6773 | 650 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1371st of 7552 | 609 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2814th of 10718 | 201 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5695th of 16616 | 116 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 155th of 9107 | 27,421 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 20th of 9204 | 180,829 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 25th of 12526 | 246,531 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 99th of 19264 | 58,450 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 179th of 27321 | 26,587 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 447th of 35406 | 10,845 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 933rd of 30306 | 3,488 |
Regional Popularity of "Carolyn" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
73.67% 1139th/1546 |
69.54% 1082nd/1556 |
63.75% 1500th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
58.68% 1426th/2430 |
54.43% 1553rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
56.72% 2946th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Carolyn" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
9.96% 141st/1416 |
8.77% 121st/1379 |
6.85% 162nd/2366 |
12.78% 146th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
1.68% 26th/1546 |
2.76% 43rd/1556 |
0.55% 13th/2353 |
1.55% 24th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.75% 39th/2227 |
2.22% 54th/2430 |
0.49% 14th/2853 |
1.37% 38th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
3.92% 115th/2937 |
2.47% 86th/3483 |
2.16% 76th/3518 |
2.84% 115th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.72% 174th/3685 |
2.70% 121st/4475 |
3.60% 187th/5194 |
3.83% 242nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
9.19% 421st/4582 |
6.33% 327th/5164 |
6.24% 456th/7313 |
8.41% 628th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
19.95% 795th/3984 |
18.81% 844th/4487 |
13.16% 898th/6822 |
19.23% 1207th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Carolyn"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Carolyn" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Carolyn" in the United States
The name Carolyn is most popular in Arkansas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Carolyn has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Carolyn' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4523rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1138th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1371st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2814th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5695th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 155th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 20th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 25th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 99th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 179th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 447th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 933rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Carolyn' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.