Karolina is a feminine given name of Polish origin. It is the female form of the masculine name Karol, which means "freeholder" or "strong". The name has been popular in Poland for centuries and has since gained international recognition.
The name Karolina is derived from the Old German word "karol," which means "strength" or "freeholder." This was the name given to Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, who was king of the Franks during the late 8th and early 9th centuries. His name eventually evolved into Karol in Polish and Karolina for females.
Historically, the name Karolina has been carried by several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Karolina Łabuńska, a Polish poetess who lived during the 19th century. She was known for her patriotic poems that inspired Polish national sentiments during the time of Partition when Poland did not exist as an independent state.
Another famous bearer of the name is Karolina Kurková, a Czech supermodel and actress. Born in 1984, she rose to fame in the fashion industry and became one of the most successful models of her generation. She was also named the "World's Top Model" by Vogue Paris in 2006.
In popular culture, Karolina has been used as a character name in various books, movies, and TV shows. One notable example is the novel "The Painted Veil" by W. Somerset Maugham, where Karolina is one of the main characters.
Overall, Karolina is a strong and elegant name with roots deeply embedded in Polish history and culture. Its meaning signifies strength and freedom, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a powerful yet feminine name for their daughters.
The name Karolina has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1917 and 2023, there have been a total of 4,311 births registered with the name Karolina.
The early 20th century saw very few babies named Karolina, with only five births recorded each year from 1917 to 1920. However, starting in the 1960s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of girls named Karolina, reaching seven births in 1973 and remaining relatively steady throughout the decade.
The 1980s marked a significant turning point for the name Karolina, with a sharp increase in its popularity. The number of births jumped from eleven in 1981 to twenty-four in 1987, indicating that more parents were choosing this name for their daughters during this period.
This trend continued into the 1990s and beyond, with Karolina reaching peak popularity between 1992 and 2004. During these years, there were consistently over 100 births registered each year, with a high of 190 births in 2007.
Although the number of births named Karolina has fluctuated since then, it remains a popular choice for parents today. In recent years, between 2018 and 2023, there have been around 100 to 165 births registered with the name Karolina each year.
Overall, these statistics show that while Karolina was not a particularly common name in the early 20th century, it has since gained popularity in the United States. Its consistent presence among the top girls' names over the past few decades demonstrates its enduring appeal for parents looking for unique yet classic names for their daughters.