Carol is a female given name of English origin. It is derived from the male name Caroline, which is a feminine form of the masculine name Carolus. Carolus itself comes from the Latin name Carolus, which means "strong" or "freeholder". The name Carol has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history.
The use of Carol as a given name can be traced back to medieval England, where it was often given to boys born around Christmas time. The popularity of the name likely stems from its association with Charles, the Martyr, who was a French king during the Middle Ages. Saint Charles became a popular saint in England after his death, and many children were named after him as a result.
Over time, Carol evolved into a unisex given name that could be used for both boys and girls. In some cases, it is still used more frequently as a male name, while in others, it has become more commonly associated with females. Today, Carol is considered to be a classic name that is still popular in many English-speaking countries.
Some famous people named Carol include Carol Burnett, an American comedian and actress known for her work on The Carol Burnett Show, and Carol Ann Duffy, the former Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Overall, Carol is a timeless name with a strong historical heritage that continues to be used today.
The name Carol experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the course of its recorded history. From just seven births in 1880, it peaked at an astounding 4598 births in 1930. However, since then, it has been on a steady decline, with only 73 births registered in 2023. This reflects the broader trend of fewer people choosing classic names like Carol for their children, as newer and more unique options become popular.