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 experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a steady increase in births each year until it peaked in 2007 with 190 births. After 2007, the number of annual births named Karolina began to decline, reaching its lowest point in recent years in 2021 with 107 births. Overall, there have been a total of 4311 births with the name Karolina between 1917 and 2023.