Carolina: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: The name Carolina is famously associated with two U.S. states, North Carolina and South Carolina. Both states were named in honor of King Charles I of England, with “Carolina” being the Latin form of Charles.

Carolina Overview

Meaning

Freeholder, freeman, song of joy, strong, beautiful

Gender

Girl

Origin

Latin

Etymology

Derived from the Latin name Carolus, meaning “free man” or “song of happiness”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˌkærəˈlaɪnə/

Popularity

Carolina is a popular name in various countries, including the United States, Spain, and Italy. In the USA, Carolina ranked #424 for girls in 2023.

Syllable

4 syllables

Length

8 letters

Numerology

1 (Pioneering, Independent, Leading)

Name Styles

Classic, Exotic, Traditional, Vintage

Associated Traits

Strong, graceful, elegant, sophisticated.

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Carolina carries cultural significance due to its association with European royalty and its historical use in naming the American states of North and South Carolina

Name Day

May 9 (Estonia)

Carolina Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Caroline, Karolina, Carolina, Carolyn, Charlene

Common Nicknames

Carrie, Lina, Caro, Callie

Diminutives

Cara, Lina, Cally, Carie, Rina

Famous People

Carolina Herrera
(Venezuelan-American Fashion Designer)
Carolina Klüft
(Swedish Athlete)
Carolina Morace
(Italian Footballer)
Carolina Crescentini
(Italian Actress)
Carolina Bang
(Spanish Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Carolina Ferrera
("Grand Hotel," TV Series)
Carolina Eastwood
("Survivor: Tocantins," TV Show)
"Coast of Carolina"
(Song)
"Carolina Moon"
(Novel)

Places

Carolina Beach
(North Carolina, USA)
Carolina Municipality
(Puerto Rico, USA)
Carolina Forest
(South Carolina, USA)
Carolina Bay
(North Carolina, USA)
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
(South Carolina, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Carolina?

The name Carolina means “free man,” “freeholder,” or “song of joy,” or “beautiful.” This name carries a sense of freedom and positivity, making it a delightful choice for anyone.

What Is the Origin of The Name Carolina?

The name Carolina is of Latin origin, derived from the masculine name Carolus, which is the Latin form of Charles. It has roots in various languages, including Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and English, each adapting the name while maintaining its original meaning.

Carolina Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Carolina in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#5112021	#4772022	#4242023
Top 3 Rankings	#2542004	#2622003	#2652001

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Carolina

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	424 (+53 from 2022)	725 (+61 from 2022)	0.04145
2022	477 (+34 from 2021)	664 (+56 from 2021)	0.03703
2021	511 (-60 from 2020)	608 (-75 from 2020)	0.03394
2020	451 (-37 from 2019)	683 (-73 from 2019)	0.03864
2019	414 (+5 from 2018)	756 (+16 from 2018)	0.04120
2018	419 (+20 from 2017)	740 (+18 from 2017)	0.03979
2017	439 (-18 from 2016)	722 (-53 from 2016)	0.03822
2016	421 (+10 from 2015)	775 (+43 from 2015)	0.04003
2015	431 (-24 from 2014)	732 (-55 from 2014)	0.03752
2014	407 (+21 from 2013)	787 (+76 from 2013)	0.04023
2013	428 (+4 from 2012)	711 (-12 from 2012)	0.03688
2012	432 (-2 from 2011)	723 (-6 from 2011)	0.03728
2011	430 (-42 from 2010)	729 (-93 from 2010)	0.03762
2010	388 (-1 from 2009)	822 (-6 from 2009)	0.04192
2009	387 (-30 from 2008)	828 (-97 from 2008)	0.04089
2008	357 (-28 from 2007)	925 (-94 from 2007)	0.04441
2007	329 (-49 from 2006)	1019 (-177 from 2006)	0.04815
2006	280 (+11 from 2005)	1196 (+63 from 2005)	0.05721
2005	291 (-37 from 2004)	1133 (-137 from 2004)	0.05582
2004	254 (+8 from 2003)	1270 (+55 from 2003)	0.06294
2003	262 (+27 from 2002)	1215 (+141 from 2002)	0.06055
2002	289 (-24 from 2001)	1074 (-133 from 2001)	0.05438
2001	265 (+2 from 2000)	1207 (+3 from 2000)	0.06093
2000	267 (+31 from 1999)	1204 (+168 from 1999)	0.06033
1999	298 (+1 from 1998)	1036 (+25 from 1998)	0.05322
1998	299 (-27 from 1997)	1011 (-62 from 1997)	0.05215
1997	272 (+2 from 1996)	1073 (+19 from 1996)	0.05620
1996	274 (+5 from 1995)	1054 (+66 from 1995)	0.05497
1995	279 (-11 from 1994)	988 (-61 from 1994)	0.05142
1994	268 (+24 from 1993)	1049 (+100 from 1993)	0.05381
1993	292 (+12 from 1992)	949 (+32 from 1992)	0.04814
1992	304 (+10 from 1991)	917 (+57 from 1991)	0.04574
1991	314 (-11 from 1990)	860 (-49 from 1990)	0.04229
1990	303 (+17 from 1989)	909 (+115 from 1989)	0.04425
1989	320 (+114 from 1988)	794 (+270 from 1988)	0.03986
1988	434 (+24 from 1987)	524 (+43 from 1987)	0.02725
1987	458 (+3 from 1986)	481 (+15 from 1986)	0.02566
1986	461 (+43 from 1985)	466 (+62 from 1985)	0.02525
1985	504 (+11 from 1984)	404 (+27 from 1984)	0.02188
1984	515 (-42 from 1983)	377 (-45 from 1983)	0.02091
1983	473 (+34 from 1982)	422 (+24 from 1982)	0.02358
1982	507 (-23 from 1981)	398 (-37 from 1981)	0.02194
1981	484 (-17 from 1980)	435 (-19 from 1980)	0.02432
1980	467 (-5 from 1979)	454 (+17 from 1979)	0.02550
1979	462 (+24 from 1978)	437 (+38 from 1978)	0.02536
1978	486 (+138 from 1977)	399 (+130 from 1977)	0.02427
1977	624 (+3 from 1976)	269 (+21 from 1976)	0.01635
1976	627 (+7 from 1975)	248 (+2 from 1975)	0.01578
1975	634 (+88 from 1974)	246 (+47 from 1974)	0.01576
1974	722 (-67 from 1973)	199 (-28 from 1973)	0.01271
1973	655 (+157 from 1972)	227 (+61 from 1972)	0.01461
1972	812 (-41 from 1971)	166 (-22 from 1971)	0.01029
1971	771 (-54 from 1970)	188 (-26 from 1970)	0.01073
1970	717 (+58 from 1969)	214 (+41 from 1969)	0.01168
1969	775 (-60 from 1968)	173 (-12 from 1968)	0.00981
1968	715 (+64 from 1967)	185 (+24 from 1967)	0.01082
1967	779 (-71 from 1966)	161 (-31 from 1966)	0.00938
1966	708 (-4 from 1965)	192 (-3 from 1965)	0.01094
1965	704 (-27 from 1964)	195 (-32 from 1964)	0.01067
1964	677 (+111 from 1963)	227 (+54 from 1963)	0.01160
1963	788 (+9 from 1962)	173 (+2 from 1962)	0.00870
1962	797 (+16 from 1961)	171 (+4 from 1961)	0.00844
1961	813 (+52 from 1960)	167 (+24 from 1960)	0.00804
1960	865 (+194 from 1959)	143 (+42 from 1959)	0.00688
1959	1059 (-47 from 1958)	101 (-4 from 1958)	0.00486
1958	1012 (-109 from 1957)	105 (-22 from 1957)	0.00508
1957	903 (+74 from 1956)	127 (+20 from 1956)	0.00605
1956	977 (+7 from 1955)	107 (+4 from 1955)	0.00520
1955	984 (-63 from 1954)	103 (-6 from 1954)	0.00514
1954	921 (-95 from 1953)	109 (-17 from 1953)	0.00548
1953	826 (+61 from 1952)	126 (+18 from 1952)	0.00653
1952	887 (-47 from 1951)	108 (-5 from 1951)	0.00568
1951	840 (+29 from 1950)	113 (+9 from 1950)	0.00612
1950	869 (-56 from 1949)	104 (-11 from 1949)	0.00591
1949	813 (-3 from 1948)	115 (+1 from 1948)	0.00655
1948	810 (-51 from 1947)	114 (-14 from 1947)	0.00654
1947	759 (-11 from 1946)	128 (+9 from 1946)	0.00704
1946	748 (-51 from 1945)	119 (+5 from 1945)	0.00738
1945	697 (-34 from 1944)	114 (-10 from 1944)	0.00847
1944	663 (-1 from 1943)	124 (-7 from 1943)	0.00907
1943	662 (+191 from 1942)	131 (+50 from 1942)	0.00913
1942	853 (-145 from 1941)	81 (-17 from 1941)	0.00583
1941	708 (+94 from 1940)	98 (+20 from 1940)	0.00787
1940	802 (-104 from 1939)	78 (-17 from 1939)	0.00660
1939	698 (-16 from 1938)	95 (-6 from 1938)	0.00838
1938	682 (-25 from 1937)	101 (-6 from 1937)	0.00885
1937	657 (+29 from 1936)	107 (+13 from 1936)	0.00971
1936	686 (-11 from 1935)	94 (-3 from 1935)	0.00872
1935	675 (-19 from 1934)	97 (-7 from 1934)	0.00893
1934	656 (-59 from 1933)	104 (-13 from 1933)	0.00961
1933	597 (+36 from 1932)	117 (+5 from 1932)	0.01119
1932	633 (-2 from 1931)	112 (+2 from 1931)	0.01012
1931	631 (-31 from 1930)	110 (-22 from 1930)	0.00997
1930	600 (-49 from 1929)	132 (-21 from 1929)	0.01132
1929	551 (+36 from 1928)	153 (+8 from 1928)	0.01322
1928	587 (+56 from 1927)	145 (+20 from 1927)	0.01213
1927	643 (+17 from 1926)	125 (+5 from 1926)	0.01011
1926	660 (-58 from 1925)	120 (-25 from 1925)	0.00975
1925	602 (+24 from 1924)	145 (+1 from 1924)	0.01148
1924	626 (+28 from 1923)	144 (+16 from 1923)	0.01111
1923	654 (+17 from 1922)	128 (+10 from 1922)	0.01022
1922	671 (-42 from 1921)	118 (-19 from 1921)	0.00946
1921	629 (-7 from 1920)	137 (+5 from 1920)	0.01071
1920	622 (+44 from 1919)	132 (+23 from 1919)	0.01061
1919	666 (+59 from 1918)	109 (+11 from 1918)	0.00928
1918	725 (-48 from 1917)	98 (-4 from 1917)	0.00815
1917	677 (-36 from 1916)	102 (-9 from 1916)	0.00908
1916	641 (+21 from 1915)	111 (+11 from 1915)	0.01022
1915	662 (-1 from 1914)	100 (+23 from 1914)	0.00977
1914	661 (+17 from 1913)	77 (+19 from 1913)	0.00967
1913	678 (-58 from 1912)	58 (-5 from 1912)	0.00886
1912	620 (-47 from 1911)	63 (+7 from 1911)	0.01074
1911	573 (+71 from 1910)	56 (+13 from 1910)	0.01267
1910	644 (-20 from 1909)	43 (+4 from 1909)	0.01025
1909	624 (-67 from 1908)	39 (-6 from 1908)	0.01060
1908	557 (+92 from 1907)	45 (+12 from 1907)	0.01269
1907	649 (-134 from 1906)	33 (-11 from 1906)	0.00978
1906	515 (+127 from 1905)	44 (+14 from 1905)	0.01404
1905	642 (-149 from 1904)	30 (-14 from 1904)	0.00968
1904	493 (+81 from 1903)	44 (+12 from 1903)	0.01505
1903	574 (+17 from 1902)	32 (+1 from 1902)	0.01150
1902	591 (-92 from 1901)	31 (-6 from 1901)	0.01106
1901	499 (+32 from 1900)	37 (-3 from 1900)	0.01455
1900	531 (+304 from 1899)	40 (+25 from 1899)	0.01259
1899	835 (-169 from 1898)	15 (-9 from 1898)	0.00606
1898	666 (+95 from 1897)	24 (+7 from 1897)	0.00875
1897	761 (-185 from 1896)	17 (-11 from 1896)	0.00685
1896	576 (-83 from 1895)	28 (-7 from 1895)	0.01111
1895	493 (-6 from 1894)	35 (+1 from 1894)	0.01416
1894	487 (+84 from 1893)	34 (+10 from 1893)	0.01441
1893	571 (-61 from 1892)	24 (-4 from 1892)	0.01066
1892	510 (+62 from 1891)	28 (+7 from 1891)	0.01245
1891	572 (-24 from 1890)	21 (-2 from 1890)	0.01068
1890	548 (-73 from 1889)	23 (-4 from 1889)	0.01141
1889	475 (+37 from 1888)	27 (+3 from 1888)	0.01427
1888	512 No change from 1887	24 (+5 from 1887)	0.01267
1887	512 (-80 from 1886)	19 (-6 from 1886)	0.01222
1886	432 (+68 from 1885)	25 (+7 from 1885)	0.01626
1885	500 (+83 from 1884)	18 (+5 from 1884)	0.01268
1884	583 (-160 from 1883)	13 (-7 from 1883)	0.00945
1883	423 (+173 from 1882)	20 (+10 from 1882)	0.01666
1882	596 (-57 from 1881)	10 No change from 1881	0.00864
1881	539 (-73 from 1880)	10 (-3 from 1880)	0.01012
1880	466 First SSA data recorded	13 First SSA data recorded	0.01332

American States Popularity Rankings for Carolina

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#3122021

#3362022

#3182023

Texas (TX)

#1952021

#1642022

#1572023

Florida (FL)

#3472021

#4532022

#2622023

New York (NY)

#7112021

#6482022

#6812023

Illinois (IL)

#4102021

#4032022

#3822023

Arizona (AZ)

#3612021

#3232022

#3232023

North Carolina (NC)

#4272021

#4722022

#3112023

New Jersey (NJ)

#8642021

#10842022

#5982023

Georgia (GA)

#5242021

#5602022

#5192023

New Mexico (NM)

#2752020

#2692022

#2052023

Massachusetts (MA)

#8902021

#5172022

#5482023

South Carolina (SC)

#6172021

#5712022

#4042023

Virginia (VA)

#4382021

#6542022

#5452023

Colorado (CO)

#3602020

#3702022

#6262023

Washington (WA)

#7372021

#6452022

#3642023

Tennessee (TN)

#4362021

#4272022

#4762023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#6852020

#8532022

#6532023

Maryland (MD)

#5372021

#9912022

#7932023

Nevada (NV)

#3422019

#3742022

#5112023

Michigan (MI)

#9902021

#10952022

#9832023

Ohio (OH)

#10802021

#10452022

#13012023

Indiana (IN)

#7782021

#9542022

#9392023

Connecticut (CT)

#3362019

#4902021

#4932022

Oregon (OR)

#6872012

#6222014

#7052015

Alabama (AL)

#8612021

#5492022

#7182023

Missouri (MO)

#4932018

#8522020

#4722023

Oklahoma (OK)

#2612019

#4862020

#6432022

Utah (UT)

#7302019

#4332020

#5402023

Kentucky (KY)

#5192021

#7552022

#5852023

Louisiana (LA)

#8692020

#7562021

#8402023

Arkansas (AR)

#6032021

#4352022

#4302023

Kansas (KS)

#5232018

#5172020

#4622022

Minnesota (MN)

#6942014

#6342017

#7792019

Wisconsin (WI)

#7602019

#7362020

#7272022

District of Columbia (DC)

#1712008

#2232010

#1722014

Rhode Island (RI)

#1531921

#1911994

#1912014

Nebraska (NE)

#4272011

#4542017

#4382019

Mississippi (MS)

#5262003

#4822014

#5872016

Iowa (IA)

#3351995

#4812005

Idaho (ID)

#2912001

#3422019

Hawaii (HI)

#1481941

Delaware (DE)

#2002006

West Virginia (WV)

#3362021

Popularity Rankings for Carolina in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Portugal

Portugal

#162018

#42019

#42020

Popularity in Uruguay

Uruguay

#432021

#292022

#472023

Popularity in Galicia, Spain

Galicia, Spain

#392012

#482013

#452014

Popularity in Mexico

Mexico

#462020

#482021

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden

#832001

#952002

#7422022

Popularity in Spain

Spain

#942020

#912021

#962022

Popularity in Austria

Austria

#1292020

#1142021

#1212022

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

#1172021

#1592022

#1192023

Popularity in Chile

Chile

#1262019

#1532020

#1612021

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina

#1432013

#1402014

#1532015

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland

#1782020

#1952021

#2992022

Popularity in Germany

Germany

#1782021

#2092022

#2102023

Popularity in Poland

Poland

#5742018

#3892019

#3972021

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland

#3912023

Popularity in Norway

Norway

#5022016

#5202017

#4122020

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#7162019

#5442020

#7472022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#5832011

#6782014

#8902022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#8452015

#9962019

#9692020

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#11982020

#13292021

#12942022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Carolina a Name for Boys or Girls?

In most cases, Carolina is a name for girls. The name’s soft and lyrical qualities contribute to its popularity among female names.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Carolina

Meaning: Free woman, strong
Origin: French, GermanCaroline
Karolina
Meaning: Freeholder, freeman, song of joy, strong, beautiful
Origin: LatinCarolina
Carolyn
Charlene

Cara
Meaning: Young palm tree, tender, sunlight, flax
Origin: Persian, Arabic, German, GreekLina
Cally
Carie
Rina

Carolina in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Carolina Herrera (Fashion Designer, born 1939): Renowned Venezuelan-American fashion designer known for her elegant personal style and successful fashion brand.
Carolina Klüft (Athlete, born 1983): Swedish former track and field athlete who excelled in heptathlon and long jump, winning numerous medals.
Carolina Morace (Footballer, born 1964): Italian former footballer and manager who has made significant contributions to women's soccer.
Carolina Crescentini (Actress, born 1980): Italian actress known for her roles in various Italian films and television series.
Carolina Bang (Actress, born 1985): Spanish actress and producer noted for her performances in Spanish cinema.
Carolina Gaitán (Actress and Singer, born 1984): Colombian actress and singer with notable roles in telenovelas and a successful music career.
Carolina Parra (Musician, born 1978): Brazilian musician and member of the rock band CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy).
Carolina Marín ("Badminton Player," born 1993): A world champion badminton player from Spain known for her fierce competitiveness.

Carolina Ferrera ("Grand Hotel," 2019 TV Series): A guest at a luxurious hotel who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery.
Carolina Eastwood ("Survivor: Tocantins," 2009 TV Show): A contestant known for her competitive spirit and strategic gameplay.
"Coast of Carolina" (2004 Song by Jimmy Buffett): A song celebrating the beauty and charm of a coastal region.
"Carolina Moon" (2000 Novel by Nora Roberts): A romantic suspense novel featuring a woman with psychic abilities.

Carolina Beach (North Carolina, USA): A popular coastal town known for its boardwalk and family-friendly beach.
Carolina Municipality (Puerto Rico, USA): An important metropolitan area near San Juan, featuring beaches and a robust cultural scene.
Carolina Forest (South Carolina, USA): A rapidly growing residential area near Myrtle Beach.
Carolina Bay (North Carolina, USA): Unique elliptical depressions in the coastal plains, often filled with water and surrounded by wetlands.
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge (South Carolina, USA): A protected area known for its longleaf pine ecosystems and wildlife diversity.

Sibling Names for Carolina

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Carolina Also Like

Whether you’re drawn to its graceful sound or its rich heritage, Carolina is a name that’s sure to delight. Like, share, and leave a comment!

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Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Carolina Name Meaning