Marilyn vs Carol

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

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 →

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

Full profile for Carol →

Popularity Comparison

Marilyn Rank #666

Carol Rank #2,640

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marilyn or Carol more popular?

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

What do Marilyn and Carol mean?

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

Are Marilyn and Carol boy or girl names?

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

More Comparisons

Carol vs Marilyn Marilyn vs Caroline Marilyn vs Carolina Marilyn vs Carol Marilyn vs Carlyn

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