Carol vs Marilyn

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Carol

Girl #2,640 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"song of joy, joyful song"

Origin: Old French

Cultural Roots

English American Welsh Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank: #2,640
Total SSA Count: 66
Syllables: 2
Formality: Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear

Similar Names

Clara Caroline Clare Carolina

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Marilyn

Girl #666 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)"

Origin: Hebrew via Latin

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank: #666
Total SSA Count: 432
Syllables: 3
Formality: Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear

Similar Names

Caroline Carolina Carol Carlyn

Full profile for Marilyn →

Popularity Comparison

Carol Rank #2,640

Marilyn Rank #666

Marilyn is more popular, ranked #666 vs #2640 for Carol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carol or Marilyn more popular?

Marilyn is more popular, ranked #666 compared to Carol at #2640 in the United States.

What do Carol and Marilyn mean?

Carol means "song of joy, joyful song" (Old French origin). Marilyn means "beloved, wished-for child (from Hebrew Miriam via Mary)" (Hebrew via Latin origin).

Are Carol and Marilyn boy or girl names?

Carol is primarily a girl name. Marilyn is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

Marilyn vs Carol Carol vs Clara Carol vs Caroline Carol vs Clare Carol vs Carolina

← Full profile: Carol ← Full profile: Marilyn Browse all baby names