Carol

Carol is a girl's and boy's baby name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' Though masculine in its roots, Carol crossed into feminine territory through French and English diminutives of Caroline, gaining widespread use by the early 20th century.

Carol peaked dramatically in the 1940s and 1950s, riding the same wave as Sandra and Linda — a quintessential mid-century American name. Today its vintage warmth is quietly making a comeback, fitting the trend of rediscovering grandmother-era names with genuine character.