The name carolyn is of english origin and is derived from the masculine name charles, meaning free man or manly. it is a feminine variation of the name caroline and carries similar meanings of … Thinking of names? Complete 2021 information on the meaning of carolyn, its origin, history, pronunciation, popularity, variants and more as a baby girl name.

Other spellings include carolin, karolyn, carolyne, carolynn or carolynne. Caroline itself is one of the feminine forms of charles.