Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Carolina

Carolina is the Latinate feminine form of the Medieval Latin male name, Carolus – which would eventually evolve into the English and French form of Charles. The name ultimately comes from the Germanic word “karl” which means ‘free man.’ Caroline became the French version (and ultimately the English by the 17th century). In England, Caroline was adopted by families in the upper-classes, probably influenced by the Stuart Kings Charles I and II. Caroline of Ansbach and Caroline of Brunswick were both Queen Consorts to King George II and IV, respectively. Another English name bearer, the aristocratic novelist Lady Caroline Lamb, had a well-publicized and passionate affair with the romantic poet Lord Byron. By the early 19th century, the name Caroline was firmly rooted in the aristocracy of England. The Latinate form of Carolina is more typically used among Spanish, Portuguese and Italian speakers. Carolina is currently a Top 50 name in Spain, and it’s also ranked high in Portugal, Brazil, and Chile.

All About the Baby Name – Carolina

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME CAROLINA

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME CAROLINA

Carolina has never been as popular as her three-syllable sister (Caroline) in the United States, but she has held fast to the American female naming charts nonetheless. Carolina has generally maintained low to moderate usage. The low-point came during the 1950s and 1960s, but then she slowly rebounded during the latter part of the 20th century. The height of Carolina’s popularity was during the 1990s. This is when a certain naming trend began to emerge. American parents were opting for these more elaborate, fanciful Latinate versions of names. Julie became Julia, Gabrielle became Gabriella, Isabelle became Isabella, and Danielle became Daniella. More syllables, more fancy-pants and more feminine are these Latinate forms to their French and English counterparts. Similarly, Carolina has fared better on the charts than she has in the past. She’s still not as popular as Caroline, but she’s exercising that ‘freedom’ of hers and spreading those wings wider.

Quick Facts

ON CAROLINA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Latin

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

429

PRONUNCIATION:

ker-ə-LINE-ə; ker-ə-LEAN-ə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Free woman

Characteristics

OF CAROLINA

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Carolina

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CAROLINA

A coming-of-age story, based on a recent shocking chapter of Argentine history, about a young woman who makes a devastating discovery about her origins with the help of an enigmatic houseguest. Perla Correa grew up a privileged only child in Buenos Aires, with a cold, polished mother and a straitlaced naval officer father, whose profession she learned early on not to disclose in a country still reeling from the abuses perpetrated by the deposed military dictatorship. Perla understands that her parents were on the wrong side of the conflict, but her love for her papá is unconditional. But when Perla is startled by an uninvited visitor, she begins a journey that will force her to confront the unease she has suppressed all her life, and to make a wrenching decision about who she is, and who she will become.

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Carolina

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CAROLINA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Carolina


Popular Songs

ON CAROLINA

Oh My Sweet Carolina
a song by Ryan Adams

Oh Carolina
a song by Vince Gill

My Carolina Sunshine Girl
a song by Merle Haggard

Good-bye to Carolina
a song by Lyle Lovett

Carolina Rua
a song by Mary Black

Carolina in My Mind
a song by James Taylor

Carolina Heartache
a song by The Blue Dogs

Carolina Blues
a song by Blues Traveler

Carolina Blue
a song by Bucky Covington

Carolina
a song by Seu Jorge

C'Mon Through Carolina
a song by David Olney

Blue Carolina
a song by Alkaline Trio

Famous People

NAMED CAROLINA

Carolina Herrera (fashion designer)
Carolina Östberg (Swedish opera singer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CAROLINA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Carolina

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CAROLINA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Carolina