Carol – Name Meaning
The name Carol is a unisex name of Latin origin, derived from the word “carolus” which means “man”. It is also related to the French word “carole” which means “song of joy”. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
History and Origin
The name Carol was first used as a given name in England during the Middle Ages. It was derived from the Latin word “carolus” which means “man”. The name was popularized by Charles Dickens in his novel A Christmas Carol, where it was used for the protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew, Fred. The popularity of the name increased after World War II when it became a popular choice for baby girls.
Popularity
Carol is a very popular name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. According to Social Security Administration data, it was one of the top 100 most popular names for baby girls born in the United States between 1940 and 1960. In recent years, its popularity has declined slightly but it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their daughter.
Famous People Named Carol
There are many famous people who have been given the name Carol, including: actress Carol Burnett; singer/songwriter Carole King; author Carol Shields; and former First Lady of the United States, Nancy Reagan (born Anne Frances Robbins).