Carolyne is a unique and elegant feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word 'carole', which means 'round dance' or 'ring dance'. The name Carolyne was popularized during the Victorian era in England, when it was often used as a diminutive form of Caroline. However, unlike its counterpart Caroline, which has become quite common over time, Carolyne remains relatively rare and distinctive. It is often associated with refined elegance and sophistication due to its French origins and unique sound. Despite its rarity, Carolyne has been carried by notable historical figures such as Carolyne von Goethe (1805-1894), the wife of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's grandson, and more recently, Carolyne Roehm (b. 1952), an American fashion designer and former First Lady of Arkansas. Overall, Carolyne is a beautiful and distinctive name with a rich history that continues to captivate those who appreciate its unique charm.
The name Carolyne has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was quite rare, with fewer than ten births recorded annually between 1882 and 1916.
However, there was a significant increase in its usage starting from 1915 onwards. Between 1915 and 1934, the number of annual births named Carolyne ranged from 20 to 43, with a peak of 43 births in 1936.
This trend continued throughout the mid-20th century. From 1940 to 1975, there were between 8 and 42 births named Carolyne each year, with a notable spike reaching 42 births in 1959.
However, from the late 1970s onwards, there was a decline in the popularity of the name Carolyne. Between 1976 and 2005, there were between 8 and 37 births named Carolyne each year, with no significant trends or spikes during this period.
Interestingly, since 2006, there has been another decrease in the usage of the name Carolyne. From 2006 to 2023, there have been between 8 and 32 births named Carolyne each year, with a steady decline observed over time.
In total, there were 3572 births named Carolyne in the United States from 1882 to 2023.