The name Carroll is an English given name that originated from an Old Norse word "karl" meaning "man" or "husband." It was later influenced by the Old French word "carole," which referred to a ring dance accompanied by singing. The name Carroll gained popularity during the medieval period in parts of England and Scotland.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Carroll can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landowners in England in 1086. The name appeared as "Carole" or "Carole" in various regions, indicating its presence among the Anglo-Norman population.

In the 12th century, the name Carroll was associated with the legendary figure of Robin Hood's merry men, where one of the outlaws was named Carroll. This connection added a romanticized and adventurous connotation to the name.

During the Renaissance period, the name Carroll gained literary significance with the publication of Lewis Carroll's (1832-1898) famous works "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." Lewis Carroll was the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, an English writer, mathematician, and photographer.

Another notable figure with the name Carroll was Charles Carroll (1737-1832), a wealthy American merchant and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was the only Catholic signer and the longest-lived of all the signers.

In the 19th century, Carroll Quigley (1910-1977) was an influential American historian and theorist known for his book "Tragedy and Hope." He taught at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Georgetown University.

The name Carroll also has connections to the entertainment industry, with actors like Carroll O'Connor (1924-2001), best known for his role as Archie Bunker in the sitcom "All in the Family," and Carroll Baker (born 1931), an American actress who starred in films like "Baby Doll" and "Giant."

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who bore the name Carroll throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence and diverse cultural influences across various fields.