Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Carol
GirlEnglish, Germanic· “form of Caroline; also a song”
- Meaning
- form of Caroline; also a song
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- KEH-ruhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,242
- US babies 2025
- 82
- Best rank
- #4 (1941)
- Peak year
- 1946
Meaning and origin of Carol
Carol is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “form of Caroline; also a song”.
Carol began as a short form of Caroline, the feminine of Charles, from a Germanic word meaning free man. Its sound also matches the English word carol, a joyful song, especially one sung at Christmas, which gives the name a festive association. Carol has been used as both a boys' and a girls' name in various countries, though in the United States it is mostly feminine. It feels classic and mid-century, with a friendly, uncomplicated sound. Carrie and Caz are possible nicknames for a modern twist.
Other spellings with the same sound: Carole, Carroll, Carrol, Carrel.
Popularity over time
Carol has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 126 different years. Its best national rank was #4 in 1941, and the most babies received it in 1946, when 34,284 were named Carol. In 2025, 82 babies were named Carol, and it ranked #2,242 nationally. That is 30% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #182 in 1920, #9 in 1950, #232 in 1980, #719 in 2000, #1,495 in 2010, and #2,242 in 2025. Of the 816,928 US girls named Carol since records began, 36% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 222,656 babies. Since 2010, 1,870 more have been named Carol.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sandra, Nancy, Sharon, Judy, and Carolyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Carol ranked highest in North Carolina, Florida, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | #1498 | 5 |
| Florida | #1733 | 7 |
| New York | #1878 | 6 |
| California | #1980 | 10 |
| Texas | #2070 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Carol over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Carol is usually pronounced KEH-ruhl, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ol”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Carole, Carroll, Carrol, and Carrel.
Middle names for Carol
A few middle names that flow with Carol: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Carol
Similar names
Robyn Girl
RAH-buhn
“bright fame; also the robin bird” · English
#1,441
Carly Girl
KAHR-lee
“free man” · English
#1,009
Frankie Unisex
FRANG-kee
“Frenchman; short for Frank” · English
#552
Robin Unisex
RAH-bihn
“bright fame; also the bird” · English
#704
Carlie Girl
KAHR-lee
“pet form of Caroline or Carl, 'free man'” · English
#2,657
Carley Girl
KAHR-lee
“variant of Carly, 'free man'” · English
#2,725
Carrie Girl
KEH-ree
“pet form of Caroline; free man” · English
#2,726
Alyse Girl
uh-LEES
“variant of Alice; noble kind” · English
#3,031
Minnie Girl
MIN-ee
“diminutive of Wilhelmina or Mary” · English
#3,060
Ella Girl
EH-luh
“other; also a short form” · Germanic
#29
Charlie Unisex
CHAHR-lee
“free man” · English
#145
Millie Girl
MIH-lee
“diminutive of Mildred or Millicent” · English
#73
Lists that include Carol
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Carol mean?
Carol is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “form of Caroline; also a song”.
What is the origin of the name Carol?
Carol has English and Germanic roots. Carol began as a short form of Caroline, the feminine of Charles, from a Germanic word meaning free man.
Is Carol a popular name?
Not especially. Carol ranked #2,242 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Carol a boy or girl name?
Carol is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Carol over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Carol?
Carol is usually pronounced KEH-ruhl. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings