Names › Girls' names › C › Caroline
Caroline
Meaning: free woman (feminine of Charles) · Origin: Germanic (via Latin) · Gender: usually a girl's name
Origin & history
A French feminine form of Carolus (Charles), 'free man'. Brought to Britain by Queen Caroline, wife of George II.
Famous people named Caroline
- Caroline Kennedy (diplomat)
- Caroline Herschel (astronomer)
Nicknames
Carrie, Caro, Callie, Lina
Variants & related names
Carolina, Karoline, Carolyn
Caroline name art
A free preview of a printable “Caroline” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Caroline mean?
Caroline means “free woman (feminine of Charles)”. It comes from Germanic (via Latin).
Is Caroline a popular name?
Yes — Caroline has been one of the most popular girls' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.
What are nicknames for Caroline?
Carrie, Caro, Callie, Lina.
What are other forms of Caroline?
Carolina, Karoline, Carolyn.
Similar names
Amelia · Ella · Alice · Emery · Matilda · Harriet
More: names starting with C · all girls' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.