Name: Caroline
Meaning: “free man”
Origin: French
Current Popularity: #55
One of our personal favorites, the name Caroline is a perennial classic. It is currently ranked at 55 for the second year in a row and is consistently in the top 100.
Nickname Potential: Caddie, Carrie, Care, Cara, Carly, Caro, Lina, Ro
Associations: Ever since we chose Caroline for this Name Spotlight, Neil Diamond’s karaoke favorite “Sweet Caroline” has been on a constant loop in my head. So there’s that association. We might also think of John F. Kennedy’s daughter Caroline, for whom Neil Diamond’s song was long believed to be written. And then there is the more regal association, Princess Caroline of Monaco, who lends the name an aristocratic grace.
Similar Names: Audrey, Abigail, Catherine, Charlotte, Claire, Diana, Emily, Gabrielle, Jane, Jacqueline, Madeleine, Vivienne
Why We Love It: Despite its popularity, it’s a name that doesn’t feel popular. When we meet a baby Caroline, the name somehow feels fresh, something that sort of defies logic can’t be said for many top-100 names. And just as it is timeless, it always fits: we love it as much on an infant as on an elderly woman, as much on a police officer as on a surgeon.
Who Might Like It: You all know we like to analogize baby names with fashion (style is style is style, right?!). So think of Caroline as that perfect pair of jeans that you find yourself reaching for on the daily. They fit perfectly, they’re comfortable, and they get tons of compliments. Parents looking for a name with a now, wow factor (crushed velvet culottes?) might pass on the more understated elegance of Caroline. But parents who love it appreciate that it’s classic, has a history, and is easily recognized (though you should expect it to be confused with Carolyn A LOT). Caroline is just plain pretty.