Carol

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Carol

Gender Girl
Origin French
Letters 5
Syllables 2
Pronunciation KAE-ruhl

Carol, which has 5 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of French origin.

Meaning of Carol

Melody / song

Carol is a feminine given name derived from the French chanson, meaning "song of joy". It is often a variant of the name Caroline, and can also be used as a short form of other names such as CarolAnn or Carolin.

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Meaning Melody / song
Origin French
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #970 in 2006 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Vintage (1940s)

Background & History of The Name Carol

Carol is a feminine given name that has its roots in the English language. It is derived from the Latin word "carolus," which means "free man" or "man." The name has been widely used in various cultures around the world, including English-speaking countries. Carol is often associated with the Christmas season due to the tradition of singing carols during this time. It gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century and continued to be common throughout the 20th century.

One prominent association of the name Carol is with the character of Carol Brady from the popular American television show "The Brady Bunch." The show aired from 1969 to 1974 and showcased a blended family consisting of a widowed mother, Carol, and her three daughters, along with her new husband and his three sons. This representation of a positive and loving stepmother figure contributed to the name's appeal during that era.

Carol has several variations and nicknames, such as Carole, Carolyn, Caroline, and Carrie. These variants offer individuals an opportunity to personalize the name and express their individuality. Moreover, the name has been used both as a given name and as a surname. In terms of popularity, the name Carol peaked in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s, but its usage has declined in recent years.

Overall, Carol is a name with historical significance and cultural connections. It continues to be cherished by many individuals as a symbol of strength and freedom. Despite its decline in popularity, Carol remains a timeless choice that carries a sense of tradition and warmth.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Carol over the years.

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Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Carol.

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