Alternatives to Caroline

Classic Caroline currently sits at 77 in the US. Here are some great alternative names!
  1. Abbeline
    • Origin:

      Variation of Apollonia or Abeleen, or invented name
    • Description:

      For those who are trying to nudge Abeleen, the Texas place-name, toward Adeline, the stylish girls' name. Unfortunately, you arrive somewhere short of a happy medium.
  2. Adeline
    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Adele
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adeline has a lovely, old-fashioned "Sweet Adeline" charm, but has become so popular in the US under so many spellings and variations — with Adalynn and Adalyn also popular — that considered together it is far more popular than it first seems. Adorable nickname Addie is also pervasive.
  3. Anneline
    • Origin:

      Danish, Norwegian, French
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Danish, Norwegian and archaic French diminutive of Anne.
  4. Apolline
    • Origin:

      French form of Apollonia, feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "destroyer"
    • Description:

      Apolline is a luscious French name chic in Paris and ripe for the plucking in the English-speaking world. Derived from the mythological name Apollo, the name may mean strength; Apollo was the god of sun and light. Apolline is a perfect choice for those attracted to the name Apple who don't want to go quite that far.
  5. Aveline
    • Origin:

      French from German
    • Meaning:

      "desired; or island, water"
    • Description:

      Aveline is a name that's long been an obscure cousin of more widely-used choices, but may come into its own riding the tail of the megapopular Ava, which may derive from the same root.
  6. Calloway
    • Origin:

      English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "pebbly place"
    • Description:

      Calloway is one of those irresistibly jaunty, animated three-syllable surnames, like Sullivan and Finnegan — but this one has the added attraction of jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway. For a girl, this could be an unconventional route to the cool nickname Callie.
  7. Carabel
    • Description:

      Carabel is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a combination of 'Cara' (beloved in Italian or Latin) and 'bel' (beautiful), creating a name that essentially means 'beautiful beloved.' Alternatively, it could be related to 'carabela,' a type of sailing ship, giving it a nautical connection. The name has a romantic, somewhat vintage quality with its flowing sounds. Carabel has never been common in English-speaking countries, making it an exceptionally distinctive choice. Parents might choose this name for its melodic quality and uniqueness. The name has a fairy-tale quality that evokes elegance and charm while remaining uncommon enough that bearers rarely meet others sharing their name.

  8. Carabelle
    • Description:

      Carabelle is a charming feminine name that combines elements of 'Cara' (meaning 'beloved' in Italian or 'friend' in Irish) with the popular '-belle' suffix meaning 'beautiful' in French. This compound structure creates a name suggesting 'beautiful beloved' or 'lovely friend.' The name has a vintage, romantic quality reminiscent of Victorian-era naming patterns. While never extremely common, Carabelle has seen modest renewed interest alongside other vintage names with the '-belle' ending. The name's melodic quality and sweet meaning make it appealing to parents seeking something feminine and distinctive with historical charm. Carabelle offers a more elaborate alternative to the simple 'Cara' while maintaining its warm essence.
  9. Caren
    • Description:

      Caren is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Karen, which originated as a Danish form of Katherine. Katherine ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' Caren emerged as an alternative spelling in the mid-20th century, offering a slight distinction from the more common Karen. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1960s and early 1970s. Caren conveys a sense of clarity and strength while maintaining a soft, feminine quality. In recent years, the name has become less common for newborns, following trends affecting similar names of that era. Despite cultural associations with the name Karen in contemporary times, Caren maintains its separate identity and continues to be appreciated for its simplicity and gentle sound.

  10. Caridad
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "Charity"
    • Description:

      Caridad is a theological Virgin name, representing Our Lady of Charity, and a popular saint's name in Cuba. Would make an interesting choice, in the manner of the more familiar Soledad, Our Lady of Solitude.
  11. Carina
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "dear little one"
    • Description:

      Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.
  12. Carlotta
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Charlotte, French diminutive of Charles
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid. Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.
  13. Carlyn
    • Description:

      Carlyn is a feminine name combining elements of Carol and Lynn, though it can also be considered a variant of Caroline or Carolyn. With Germanic origins, it relates to the root 'karl' meaning 'free man' or 'strong,' adapted to feminine usage. This streamlined spelling emerged in the mid-20th century as parents sought alternatives to more traditional forms. Carlyn offers a modern, simplified approach while maintaining connections to classical naming traditions. The name has maintained modest but consistent usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. With its strong consonants balanced by the soft ending, Carlyn strikes a pleasing balance between strength and femininity. The name works well in professional settings while avoiding the more common variations of Caroline that might result in duplicate names in social or work environments.
  14. Carmella
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Carmel, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "garden"
    • Description:

      Most familiar as the name of Tony Soprano's wife, but she spelled it Carmela. In the contemporary US, both Carmella and Carmela are used in near-equal numbers, given to a total of about 300 baby girls last year.
  15. Caro
    • Origin:

      Diminuitve of Carol or Caroline, English, French ,"free man"
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Upper-crusty nickname occasionally used in Britain, particularly in 1930s novels featuring significant garden party scenes, but eclipsed here by Carrie et al.
  16. Carol
    • Origin:

      English, feminine variation of Charles
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      A Caroline abbreviation that was wildly popular with Mom's generation...or Grandma's. At one time it was a name for baby girls born at Christmas. because of its association with Christmas carols.
  17. Carolina
    • Origin:

      Variation of Caroline; also place-name
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Romantic, and classy, this variation heats up Caroline and modernizes Carol, adding a southern accent. A popular choice in Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and Italy, it recently entered the US Top 500.
  18. Carolyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Caroline
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      The phonetic Carolyn spelling, which was very popular from the 1920s to the '60s, has been steadily on the wane while Caroline herself has stayed strong.
  19. Carrington
    • Origin:

      English, Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "from Carrington"
    • Description:

      This habitational surname works as a modern way to honor a Carrie, Carolyn, or Caroline.
  20. Cateline
    • Origin:

      Medieval French form of Catherine
    • Meaning:

      "pure"