Carole is a variant of Carol, which originated from the Latin name Carolus, meaning 'free man'. It has been in use since the Middle Ages and was popularized by 17th-century French composer Charles-Loys de Carloy.
Carole has cultural significance in Christianity as a reference to the hymn 'Joy to the World', which features the phrase 'God save us, Lord, our sovereign Carole'. It is also associated with the Christmas carol 'Deck the Halls' and the French tradition of singing 'Les Caroles de Noël'.
People named Carole are often seen as optimistic, friendly, and lively individuals who spread joy and positivity around them.
The name Carole remains a popular choice for parents in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the US where it has consistently ranked among the Top 1000 girls' names since the early 20th century.