Carolina is a feminine given name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word "carulus," which means "strong" or "virile." The name Carolina was popularized by the ruling Hapsburg family in Europe during the Middle Ages. It became particularly prominent when Maria Carolina of Austria married King Ferdinand IV of Naples and Sicily in 1768.
The name Carolina has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. In addition to Maria Carolina, Queen Consort of Naples and Sicily, there was also Carolina of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, who became the wife of King George IV of the United Kingdom. Additionally, Carolina Otero, a Spanish dancer known as "La Belle Otero," gained fame in Europe during the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
In popular culture, the name Carolina has appeared in various forms of media. It is the title character's name in the 2004 film "Carolina," directed by Marleen Gorris. The name also features prominently in the song "Carolina" by American singer Enya.
The given statistics show the number of births with the name Carolina in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The data illustrates an interesting trend over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Carolina was relatively low, ranging from 10 to 45 births per year. However, starting in the 1960s, there was a significant increase in popularity, with over 200 births per year.
The peak of popularity for the name Carolina occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with over 400 births each year from 1978 to 1983. After this period, the number of babies named Carolina began to decline, reaching a low point in the mid-2000s with fewer than 100 births per year.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in popularity for the name Carolina, with around 600 to 750 births per year from 2014 to 2023. Overall, since 1880, there have been a total of 46,470 babies named Carolina born in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate how popular baby names can fluctuate over time and generations, reflecting cultural shifts and changing tastes.