Carolyn

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Song; Joyful

Background: The name Carolyn is derived from the English name 'Carol,' which originates from the French name 'Carole,' meaning 'song' or 'to dance.' This name traces back to the Greek word 'kārouzein,' meaning 'to sing or rejoice.'

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#53
Total births
558,213
Most popular decade
1940s (547,134 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-415 ranks)
Years in Top 100
44
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

0.3% male 99.7% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1915
First year births
10
First year rank
#2,458
Peak year
1943
Peak year births
76
Peak rank
#740
Most recent year
1995
Recent year births
6
Recent rank
#7,790

Female

First year
1880
First year births
80
First year rank
#163
Peak year
1947
Peak year births
20,741
Peak rank
#15
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
206
Recent rank
#1,161

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links