Carolina is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "caro," which means dear or beloved, and the Latin suffix "-ina," which is used to form diminutives or female names. Therefore, Carolina literally translates to "little dear" or "beloved one."
The name Carolina has been in use since medieval times, but it gained popularity during the Renaissance period. It was particularly popular among the nobility and royal families of Europe, as evidenced by the fact that several European royals have borne this name throughout history.
One of the most notable historic figures named Carolina is Empress Maria Carolina of Austria (1752-1814), who became Queen consort of Naples and Sicily after marrying King Ferdinand IV. She was a prominent figure during the Enlightenment period and played an important role in the political and cultural life of her kingdom.
In literature, Carolina is also found as the name of characters in several works. For instance, it appears in the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas, where it belongs to the protagonist's daughter.
Today, Carolina continues to be a popular choice for parents naming their daughters. It ranks among the top 1000 names given to baby girls in countries such as the United States, Italy, and Spain. Its timeless elegance and historical significance contribute to its enduring appeal.
Statistics on the Given Name Carolina in the United States:
The name Carolina has been popular among parents in the United States over the years, with a total of 137 babies given this name from 1924 to 1996. The popularity of the name varied throughout these decades, experiencing both peaks and troughs.
In the early years recorded, there were relatively few births with the name Carolina. From 1924 to 1944, only five girls were named Carolina each year (except for 1935 when six babies were given this name).
The popularity of the name started to increase in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1979, there were seven births with the name Carolina, which then rose to nine in 1982. The years between 1985 and 1987 saw an average of eight to nine births per year for this name.
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked the peak popularity for the name Carolina in the United States during the period studied. In 1989, a significant increase was seen with sixteen babies named Carolina, which is the highest number recorded. This high level of popularity continued into the next year, with eight births in 1990 and seven in 1991.
However, the popularity of the name began to decrease towards the end of the 1990s, with only five or six births per year from 1993 onwards. This shows that while Carolina was once a popular choice for parents, its popularity has since declined and may have been replaced by other names over time.
These statistics illustrate how the name Carolina has experienced periods of both popularity and decline in the United States over the course of seven decades. Despite these fluctuations, it remains a classic and enduring name with a rich history behind it.