Barbara vs Carol
Choosing between Barbara and Carol? Compare meanings, origins, and popularity trends to find the perfect baby name.
Barbara
Gender: boy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Foreign, strange
Peak: 1938 (3.44%)
Carol
Gender: boy
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Free woman
Peak: 1945 (2.26%)
Popularity Comparison
| Year | Barbara | Carol |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 0.13% | 0.01% |
| 1890 | 0.12% | 0.01% |
| 1900 | 0.11% | 0.02% |
| 1910 | 0.15% | 0.04% |
| 1920 | 0.41% | 0.09% |
| 1930 | 1.57% | 0.39% |
| 1940 | 3.11% | 1.84% |
| 1950 | 2.36% | 1.49% |
| 1960 | 1.18% | 0.84% |
| 1970 | 0.44% | 0.28% |
| 1980 | 0.14% | 0.06% |
| 1990 | 0.07% | 0.04% |
| 2000 | 0.03% | 0.02% |
Parents Also Consider
FAQ
Is Barbara or Carol more popular?
Barbara has historically been more popular. Barbara peaked in 1938 while Carol peaked in 1945.
What is the meaning of Barbara?
Barbara means "Foreign, strange" and has Greek origins.
What is the meaning of Carol?
Carol means "Free woman" and has Germanic origins.
Can Barbara and Carol be used as sibling names?
Barbara and Carol can work well as sibling names. They come from different origins, giving a diverse feel.