Karoline is a feminine given name of German origin. It is derived from the male name Caroline, which itself comes from the Latin word "carulus," meaning "strong" or "vigorous." The female version of the name was created in the Middle Ages when it became fashionable to use female equivalents of male names.
The name Karoline gained popularity during the 19th century in Germany and other Germanic countries. It was also used among the Scandinavian nobility, with several members of the Swedish royal family having carried the name throughout history.
One notable figure bearing this name is Karoline von Günderrode (1780-1806), a German poet and dramatist who is considered one of the most important female writers of Romanticism. Her works include "Gedichte" (Poems) and the play "Mazeppa."
Despite its Germanic roots, Karoline has been used in various countries around the world. In some cultures, it may be spelled differently, such as Caroline or Carolina, but its meaning remains the same.
In recent years, Karoline has seen a resurgence in popularity among parents looking for unique yet classic names for their daughters. It is often considered a sophisticated and elegant choice, reflecting its long history and association with notable figures throughout history.
The given statistics show the number of births with the name Karoline in the United States each year from 1915 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name.
From 1915 to around the mid-1960s, the number of babies named Karoline remained relatively low, with fewer than 34 births recorded each year. However, starting in 1961, there was a noticeable rise in the popularity of the name, with more than 27 births occurring that year. This trend continued into the late 1960s and early 1970s, reaching a peak of 49 births in 1991.
The years between 1995 and 2023 saw a further increase in the popularity of the name Karoline. The number of babies named Karoline steadily grew over this period, with more than 80 births recorded each year since 2007. In fact, the name reached its highest point of popularity in recent years during 2013 and 2014, with 114 and 107 births respectively.
Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years, with only 83 births recorded in both 2022 and 2023, the name Karoline has remained popular throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. In total, there have been 3638 babies named Karoline in the United States from 1915 to 2023.