Carolyn is a joyful name that many parents choose because it reminds them of the sweet sound of a holiday carol. While Carolyn actually translates to mean “free,” it can also mean “song of happiness.” Keep reading to learn why Carolyn is a name that hits the right note!
Meaning and Origin of the name Carolyn:
The name Carolyn has different meanings. In French, it means Free or strong. Similarly, in Latin and Old English, the name Carolyn means Free or Free woman, song of happiness, respectively. Carolyn is an English version of Caroline. All forms of the name Caroline are actually female forms of the Latin name Carolus which means “free man.” The name offers an important distinction because it refers to someone who is free without carrying a title of nobility.
Symbolism of the name Carolyn:
Carolyn is a name that has come to be associated with strength and freedom. It is also symbolic of joyful carols!
Nicknames for the name Carolyn:
Style of the name Carolyn:
Classic.
Gender of the name Carolyn:
Carolyn is the feminine version of Carl.
Pronunciation of the name Carolyn:
KARR + UH + LIN.
Syllables in the name Carolyn:
Three.
Emotion evoked from the name Carolyn:
The name Carolyn is a very classic and sophisticated name with a slightly frilly twist compared to a more common name like Caroline.
Alternative spellings for the name Carolyn:
Carolynn, Carolyne, Karolyn.
Popularity of the name Carolyn:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Carolyn has made the list of the top 1,000 baby names every year since 1900. While Carolyn has reached the single digits multiple times over the years, the name peaked in popularity when it hit #10 in 1942.
Related names for the name Carolyn:
Carolina, Caroline, Charla, Charlotte.
Great middle names for Carolyn and their meanings:
- Anissa (satisfaction)
- Briana (noble)
- Cassie (shining over man)
- Celeste (heavenly)
- Cynthia (moon goddess)
- Glenda (fair)
- Petra (rock)
- Prudence (discretion)
- Sabrina (legendary princess)
- Violet (grace, beauty)
Famous people with the name Carolyn:
- Carolyn Keene (author of the Nancy Drew series)
- Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (wife of John F. Kennedy Jr.)
- Carolyn Lawrence (American actress known for voicing many Nickelodeon animated shows)
- Carolyn Arlene Peck (sportscaster)
- Carolyn Sue Jones (actress famed for playing the original Morticia Adams)
Carolyn in movies/pop culture:
- Carolyn Fields (character in “Pretty Little Liars”)
- Carolyn Soule (Lisa Kudrow's character in “The Other Woman”)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anna-Kharchenko/Shutterstock.com.