The name Caroline has its origins in the French language, derived from the Germanic name Karlina, which is a feminine form of the name Karl, meaning "free man." The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 8th century AD.

It gained widespread popularity after the 12th century, when it was adopted as a feminine form of Carolus, the Latin rendition of the name Charles. This was likely influenced by the veneration of St. Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor, who ruled from 768 to 814 AD.

In ancient times, the name was associated with several notable figures. One of the earliest known bearers was Caroline of Ansbach, born in 1683, who became the Queen of Great Britain as the wife of King George II. Another prominent Caroline was Caroline Herschel, born in 1750, who was a renowned astronomer and the first woman to be paid for her contributions to science.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained further recognition with the birth of Caroline Lucretia Herschel in 1782, who was a talented composer and singer. In the 19th century, Caroline Norton, born in 1808, was a prominent social reformer who campaigned for the rights of women and children.

Another famous Caroline was Caroline Shawk Brooks, born in 1840, who was a celebrated American poet and literary critic. Her works were widely acclaimed for their lyrical beauty and profound insights into human nature.

Throughout history, the name Caroline has been borne by many influential figures, spanning various fields such as politics, science, arts, and literature. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its rich cultural heritage and its association with strength, independence, and intellect.