Caroline vs. Carolyn: which name is older?
The average Caroline is 31 and the average Carolyn is 67, so Carolyn is the older name, by about 37 years.
Caroline and Carolyn sound alike, so the spelling is the clue: a Carolyn is more likely to have been born after World War II, and a Caroline in the early 2000s.
Caroline
Carolyn
When was each name popular?
Carolyn peaked first, in 1947 (after World War II). Caroline peaked in 2000, 53 years later.
Which name is more common?
There are about 190,000 Carolines and about 350,000 Carolyns alive in the US, so there are about 81% more Carolyns than Carolines.
Boys or girls?
Both are girls' names: over 99% of living Carolines and over 99% of living Carolyns are women.
Names the same age as Caroline
Names the same age as Carolyn
More comparisons: Carol vs. Carolyn
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Caroline or Carolyn: questions
Which is older, Caroline or Carolyn?
The average Caroline is 31 and the average Carolyn is 67, so Carolyn is the older name, by about 37 years.
How old is the average Caroline?
The average Caroline in the US is 31; half of all living Carolines are between 14 and 42.
How old is the average Carolyn?
The average Carolyn in the US is 67; half of all living Carolyns are between 60 and 79.
Which is more common, Caroline or Carolyn?
There are about 190,000 Carolines and about 350,000 Carolyns alive in the US, so there are about 81% more Carolyns than Carolines.
Estimates from Social Security Administration baby-name records (births 1880–2025) and SSA cohort life tables (2026 Trustees Report). How we calculate this