Origin and Meaning of Carol
Meaning & Origin
Song of joy; festive song
Origin: French/Latin - Derived from the Old French 'carole', which comes from the Latin 'carola', meaning 'little song' or 'song of joy'.
Interesting Facts
- Originally, the name Carol was used for boys in the Middle Ages, but it became predominantly female in the 20th century.
- The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly from the mid-20th century, often associated with Christmas carols.
- Notable bearers of the name include actress Carol Burnett, singer Carol King, and writer Carol Shields, each making significant contributions to their fields.
- Carol peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s, becoming a top name for girls, but has since seen a decline.
- Variants of the name include Carole, Karol, and even masculine forms like Carlo.