Carroll is a surname and given name of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Cearbhaill, which means "descendant of Cearbhaill". The personal name Cearbhaill is derived from the Irish word "carraig", meaning "rock" or "crag".
The Carroll family was one of the most powerful and influential families in Ireland during the Middle Ages. They were known as the Kings of Desmond, ruling over a large territory in southwestern Ireland. The Carrolls were also associated with the Catholic Church, with many members serving as bishops and abbots.
The name Carroll has been used as a given name since the 19th century. It became popular in English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Canada, and the United States during this time. Today, Carroll is still used as both a surname and a given name, with its popularity varying by country.
Some famous people with the name Carroll include:
* Lewis Carroll (1832-1898), whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was an English writer, mathematician, logician, and photographer best known for his novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"
* Jim Carroll (1950-2009), was an American rock musician, poet, and author
* Carroll Shelby (1923-2012), was an American automotive designer, racing driver, and entrepreneur
The name Carroll experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. It started off relatively strong with around 26-37 births per year between 1880 and 1889. However, it began to decline steadily, dropping below 300 births per year by the early 1940s. The lowest point was reached in 2002 with only 10 births recorded that year. After 2005, the name became even rarer, with fewer than 20 births per year on average from 2006 onwards.