Carilyn is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of American origin. It is a blend of two popular names, Carolyn and Marilyn, suggesting that it may have been created as a combination of these two to honor someone named after one or both of them. The name has gained some recognition over time but remains relatively rare compared to its component parts.
The name Carilyn saw its peak popularity from 1958 to 1965 with over 13 births each year during this period. However, its usage has significantly decreased since the late 1970s, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded between 1976 and 2011, inclusive.