Carolyn

Carolyn is an English feminine name that developed as an altered form of Caroline, itself the French and English feminine of Charles. Charles derives from the Germanic element karl, meaning man or free man, a root associated with the Frankish emperor Charlemagne and the broader Carolingian dynasty. Carolyn gained widespread popularity in the United States during the early to mid twentieth century. Closely related forms include Carol, Carolin, Karolyn, and Caroline.