Caroline
/ˈkær.ə.laɪn/noun
A female given name derived from Charles, and also used as an adjective meaning related to the reign of Charles I or Charles II.
Did you know?Caroline ultimately comes from the same ancient Germanic root as Charles and means “free man,” a reminder that many regal names began as words of status and power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*karilaz
“a free man, husband, or man”
Old High German
OHG
karal
“man, husband”
Late Latin
Latin
Carolus
“Charles, used as a personal name”
Old French
OF
Caroline
“feminine form of Charles”
Modern English
English
Caroline
“a female given name; also an adjective relating to Charles I or Charles II”