Carolina

Carolina is a Latinate feminine form of Carolus, the Medieval Latin rendering of the Germanic name Karl, itself derived from a root meaning man or free man. The name gained wide use across Europe partly through the influence of Charles I of England and other monarchs named Charles, whose Latin title Carolus inspired feminine forms in several languages. It has been borne by numerous European royals, including Carolina of Monaco, and lends its name to the American states of North and South Carolina, originally named in honor of King Charles IX of France and later Charles II of England. Related forms include Caroline, Carola, Karoline, and Karolina.