Carolyn

Carolyn is a female given name. It is the English form of Caroline, which originated as a feminine form of the male name Charles. The typical meaning associated with Caroline is “free man” or “manly,” though in modern usage the name is primarily valued for its sound and heritage rather than its literal meaning.

Spelling variants include Caroline, Carole, Carolee, Karolyn, Karoline, and other related forms. In English-speaking countries, Carolyn has been used since the 19th century, with peak popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. Today it remains a traditional choice, though naming trends have moved toward a broader range of styles and spellings.

Notable people named Carolyn include Carolyn Maloney (born 1946), an American politician who has served as a U.S. representative from New York; Carolyn Porco (born 1953), a planetary scientist known for leading the Cassini mission imaging team; Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (1966–1996), an American publicist and fashion icon; and the pen name Carolyn Keene, used by multiple authors for the Nancy Drew mystery series.

See also variants such as Caroline, Carol, and Carole, which share the same linguistic roots. The name Carolyn is widely recognized in biography, politics, science, and culture, reflecting its lasting presence in English-language naming traditions.