The name Carolina has its origins in the Latin language and likely emerged during the medieval period. It is derived from the masculine given name Carolus, which itself comes from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "husband." The feminine form Carolina essentially means "the female Caroline."

Carolina gained popularity across Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions where Latin and its Romance language derivatives were spoken. Some of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in documents from Italy, France, and Spain from the 11th and 12th centuries.

One notable early bearer of the name was Carolina Beatrix Ventur, an Italian noblewoman who lived in the 13th century. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support of various charitable causes.

In the 16th century, Carolina Michaelis de Vasconcelos, a Portuguese philologist and academic, made significant contributions to the study of Romance languages and Portuguese literature. She lived from 1851 to 1925.

The name also has a connection to the Carolingian dynasty, which ruled over much of Western Europe from the 8th to the 10th centuries. The dynasty was founded by Charlemagne, whose name in Latin was Carolus Magnus.

Carolina Coronado Romero de Quintana was a Spanish Romantic poet and writer who lived from 1820 to 1911. She was known for her lyrical poetry and her advocacy for women's rights.

Another notable figure was Carolina Müller-Beeck, a German painter and illustrator who lived from 1825 to 1904. She was recognized for her skilled portraiture and her illustrations of children's books.

In the realm of religious history, there is a record of a Saint Carolina who lived in the 3rd century and was martyred during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire. However, details about her life are scarce.

As the name spread across Europe and eventually to the Americas, it took on various spellings and forms, such as Carola, Carolyn, and Karolina, among others. However, Carolina remained a popular and enduring variation of the name.