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Home › Baby Names Directory › Carole

Carole

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAIR-ul /ˈkær.əl/High

Meaning: The French spelling of Carol, itself a short feminine form of Caroline, from Charles — Germanic karl, 'free man'. A mid-century favorite, gentle and familiar, and quite distinct in spelling from the Christmas carol.Medium

In 30 seconds: A gentle classic: Carole is the French form of Carol, from Charles, 'free man' (said 'KAIR-ul').
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Origin HighFrench
MeaningThe French spelling of Carol, itself a short feminine form of Caroline, from Charles — Germanic karl, 'free man'. A mid-century favorite, gentle and familiar, and quite distinct in spelling from the Christmas carol.
U.S. rank (2023)#10463 ↗ Rising
2023 U.S. births9 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1942
Total births (all-time)≈ 110,677

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194219012023

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Carole is the French spelling of Carol, a feminine form that grew from Caroline and ultimately from Charles. It flourished in the twentieth century on both sides of the Atlantic and has a warm, settled, unfussy sound. A vintage name ready for a comeback (said 'KAIR-ul').

It is rare for girls in the U.S. today. Rare, vintage, and elegant.

Did you know? Carole reaches back through Caroline to Charles — Germanic karl, 'free man'. The French -e spelling gives it a soft, mid-century elegance, which we note (said 'KAIR-ul').
Overall data confidence 72%
References — Carole — French form of Carol; feminine of Charles (Germanic karl, 'free man')

Variations

CarolCarolle

Nicknames

CaroCallie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Carole…

Carol— the English spelling of this name
Caroline— the fuller name behind it
Carolyn— a like mid-century cousin
Camille— another elegant French classic

Explore names like Carole

By themeclassicfrenchvintageelegant
By meaningGentle / KindFreedom

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Carole mean?

Carole is the French form of Carol, a feminine of Charles, meaning 'free man'.

How do you pronounce Carole?

It's said KAIR-ul /ˈkær.əl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Carole a boy or girl name?

Carole is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Carole?

Carole is a rare name for girls in the U.S. today, though it was much better used in the twentieth century.

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