Carol is a girl's name of Germanic origin meaning “Free woman; Germanic origin meaning "free person" or "strong".” With 2 syllables, it is short and easy to say. Common nicknames include Carrie. As of 2026, Carol ranks #884 among girls' names in the United States and has held a steady level of popularity. Its highest US ranking was #4 in 1941.
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KAIR-ol
Phonetic spelling
Currently #884 among US baby names.
* Based on US Social Security Administration birth-registration data
Carol means “Free woman; Germanic origin meaning "free person" or "strong".” It is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Carol is pronounced KAIR-ol.
Carol is most commonly used as a girl's name.
Carol currently ranks #884 among girls' names in the United States.
Popular nicknames for Carol include Carrie.
Middle names that pair well with Carol include Carol Ann, Carol Marie, Carol Sue, Carol Lynn.
Other Germanic names you might love
“Free woman; Germanic origin meaning "free person" or "strong"”
“Serious, resolute; Latin origin meaning "earnest" and "determined"”
“Alluring temptress (variant of Lorelai)”
“Warrior (variant of Armani)”
“Ruler with the spear”
“Pearl; from Greek "margarites" meaning a precious pearl gemstone”
“Whole, universal”
“Whole, universal”
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