The name Carol has its origins in the Late Latin word 'Carolus', which was derived from the Germanic word 'Karlaz'. This word meant 'free man' or 'nobleman'. The name Carol emerged as a feminine form of the masculine name Charles, which was widely used across Europe during the Middle Ages and later periods.

Carol can be traced back to the 9th century AD, when it was popularized by the Frankish king Charlemagne, whose name in French was 'Charles'. The name gained widespread recognition and became a common name for both men and women across Europe during the medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Carol can be found in the 12th century, when a woman named Carol of Lorraine was mentioned in historical records. She was the daughter of the Duke of Lorraine and lived from around 1145 to 1198.

In the 14th century, a notable figure named Carol of Blois, who lived from 1319 to 1364, was the wife of the Count of Blois and played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

The name Carol was also used in literature, appearing in works such as the 14th-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", where a character named Lady Carol is mentioned.

During the Renaissance period, the name Carol gained popularity among the upper classes. One notable figure was Carol Cheseman, an English noblewoman who lived from 1520 to 1572 and was a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, the name Carol was associated with the Christmas carol tradition, as the word 'carol' was derived from the same root as the name. This association further popularized the name, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Over the centuries, several other notable individuals have borne the name Carol, including Carol of Brandenburg (1502-1575), a German princess; Carol of Sweden (1776-1826), a Swedish princess and duchess; and Carol Gilligan (1936-), an American feminist philosopher and ethicist.