Carolynn is a name of English origin, derived from the male name Carl, which is ultimately derived from the Germanic name Karl. The name Carl is composed of two elements: karal- meaning "strength" or "power," and -mann meaning "man." Therefore, Carolynn can be interpreted as "strong man," although it is often associated with femininity due to its popularity as a female name.
The name Carolynn gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. It reached its peak popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, ranking among the top 500 names for girls each year between 1960 and 1978. Although its usage has declined since then, it remains a recognizable name with historical significance.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Carolynn or variations thereof. One prominent example is Carol Lynn Pearson, an American playwright, poet, and author known for her work on Mormon themes. Another notable figure is Carol Lynn Weaver, an American actress who appeared in numerous television shows and films during the 1970s and 1980s.
In literature and popular culture, the name Carolynn has been used as a character name in various works. For instance, it appears as the given name of one of the main characters in the novel "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers. Additionally, several songs featuring the name Carolynn have been released over the years, including "Carol Lynn" by The Everly Brothers and "Carolyn" by The Beach Boys.
Overall, Carolynn is an English name with a strong historical presence, derived from the Germanic name Carl meaning "strong man." Its popularity peaked during the mid-20th century in the United States, and it has been associated with various notable figures throughout history.
The name Carolynn experienced a significant boom in popularity between the 1930s and the late 1940s, with peaks reaching over 100 births per year during this period. The highest number of babies named Carolynn was recorded in 1942, with 169 births. However, since the 1970s, there has been a steady decline in the usage of this name, with fewer than 50 births per year from 1973 onwards, and sometimes as low as single digits in recent years. In total, over the span of these statistics (1917-2023), there have been 6366 babies named Carolynn.