Free man or song of joy
Originally a feminine short form of Caroline or Caroline, derived from the Germanic name Karl. It became associated with the English word 'carol', meaning a festive song, which gave it a cheerful, musical connotation in the early 20th century.
Less common today
Carol isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #349 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Iconic American comedian and actress
The superhero known as Captain Marvel · Marvel Comics
Prolific singer-songwriter of 'Tapestry'
A resilient survivor in a post-apocalyptic world · The Walking Dead
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
Legendary Broadway star of 'Hello, Dolly!'
The matriarch of the Brady family · The Brady Bunch
