The name Caryl, of Welsh origin, is derived from the word 'carreg,' meaning 'rock.' It was traditionally used as both a masculine and feminine name in Wales, but today it's more commonly found among females. The spelling variants include Carey, Carie, and Karil. Caryl is not particularly common, which may contribute to its unique charm. It has been used throughout history, with notable bearers including Caryl Churchill, a renowned British playwright.
The name Caryl experienced fluctuating popularity over the course of a century, with peaks in the early 20th century and again in the mid-1960s. The name's most prolific years were 1917 (11 births) and 1928 (16 births). However, it became less common after the 1950s, with only five births each year from 1950 to 1954, and no more than ten births per year thereafter until the 1990s.