Caroline

A feminine form related to the Latin-based name Carolus (Charles), often summarized in name books as ‘free person’.

Caroline is a classic feminine given name with long-standing use across several European languages, which is why it tends to feel familiar and stable rather than trendy. It belongs to the broader family of forms related to Carolus (Charles), and many name references summarize that family’s meaning as something like “free person,” a modern gloss that helps situate the origin even if historical use wasn’t always about literal meaning. Etymologically, Caroline comes through Latin and later European forms and is now established in English, French, and German usage, which also explains why pronunciation varies by locale. In American English it’s often KAIR-uh-line, while in French it’s typically closer to ka-ro-LEEN, and in German contexts it may be ka-ro-LEE-nuh. A practical tip is to pick the pronunciation that fits the surrounding language and stick with it consistently. Nicknames like Caro and Carrie are common, making it easy to shift between formal and casual.

Etymology: Through Latin Carolus and related European forms; Caroline is widely used in English, French, and German contexts with different local pronunciations.