Karolyn Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Karolyn originates from Latin and Greek roots, meaning 'free woman.' It has evolved from Carolus in Latin to Caroline in French, eventually becoming Karolyn in English. The name reflects traits of independence and strength, though it does not have biblical significance. It gained popularity in the 20th century and is now viewed as a modern and unique choice.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Karolyn"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛrəˌlɪn/
Origin
Latin and Greek
Etymology
Karolyn is derived from the name Caroline, which itself comes from the Latin 'Carolus,' a form of Charles, meaning 'free man.' The name has been adapted into various forms across different languages.
Meaning
free woman
Language Evolution
Carolus (Latin), Caroline (French), Karolyn (English)
Historical Usage
Karolyn emerged as a popular name in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It gained traction as a feminine variant of Charles, reflecting a broader trend toward using traditionally male names for females.
Variants & Derivatives
Caroline, Carol, Karol, Karly
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Karolyn is perceived as a modern and unique name. It is appreciated for its feminine touch while still retaining a connection to its historical roots.
Famous People
Karolyn Grimes, an American actress known for her role in 'It's a Wonderful Life.', Karolyn Smith, an accomplished author and speaker.
📊 Karolyn Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Karolyn Name Visualizations
✨ Karolyn Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 167 peak births in 1946
Geographic Spread
Popular across 25 US states, with strongest presence in Iowa
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Karolyn" - Complete Guide (4 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Karolyn". 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 4 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 "Karolyn" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Karolyn"
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 "Karolyn"
"Karolyn" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3295th of 9107 | 137 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 856th of 9204 | 1,297 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1061st of 12526 | 1,785 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1475th of 19264 | 1,116 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2383rd of 27321 | 778 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4041st of 35406 | 551 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5556th of 30306 | 275 |
Regional Popularity of "Karolyn" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Karolyn" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
34.86% 539th/1546 |
65.23% 1015th/1556 |
49.64% 1168th/2353 |
57.92% 896th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
36.24% 807th/2227 |
51.32% 1247th/2430 |
48.12% 1373rd/2853 |
36.07% 1001st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
42.90% 1260th/2937 |
42.75% 1489th/3483 |
63.87% 2247th/3518 |
40.38% 1633rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
77.96% 2873rd/3685 |
47.96% 2146th/4475 |
70.45% 3659th/5194 |
40.57% 2563rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
94.17% 4863rd/5164 |
63.09% 4614th/7313 |
51.27% 3826th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
71.86% 4902nd/6822 |
80.77% 5069th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Karolyn"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Karolyn" 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 "Karolyn" in the United States
The name Karolyn is most popular in Iowa, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Karolyn has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Karolyn' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3295th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 856th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1061st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1475th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2383rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4041st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5556th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Karolyn' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.