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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Caroline or Carolyn?

39 replies

SparklyBlueGiraffe · 07/06/2024 21:29

DH and I are having a disagreement over this. He thinks Caroline is more typical and simple yet beautiful, and she would be unlikely to have any spelling issues in the future. But I think Carolyn has a certain elegance and uniqueness about it, but not so unique that it's questionable.

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lemontart13 · 07/06/2024 22:42

I think that Caroline is more cute.

Diversion · 07/06/2024 22:00

I am a Caroline and absolutely hate it and have been known by a shortened version since I was 16 which I still hate. My sister and Dad call me by my full name, my husband and colleagues by the shortened version, my friends by my assumed name which I intend to change to by change of name deed at some point soon. Also the song bleugh!!

Theothername · 07/06/2024 21:53

I think people who know Caroline as a name tend to drag out the ending of Carolyn as CaroLynne, whereas it’s actually a shorter, almost clipped pronunciation and Caroline is the one with the drags out the ending.

To my ear Caroline is sweeter, and more girlish, whereas Carolyn sounds stronger and more of a strong name. I can imagine Carolyn as a prime minister or CEO (but I always over think these things!)

Theres also the Sweet Caroline uh uh uh song to consider

lovelysunshine22 · 07/06/2024 21:43

Carolyn sounds like lynne at the end instead of line! Its a bit hillbilly sounding 😳

Roryhon · 07/06/2024 21:42

I prefer Caroline. Carolyn never sounds as nice, it’s duller somehow.

Firsttimebabymummy · 07/06/2024 21:38

I prefer Caroline. More classic and I don't like the Lynn sounding in the other.

NewName24 · 07/06/2024 21:38

I think it is just personal taste.
I prefer Carolyn myself, but there is nothing wrong with either.

Caroline is very much a name of an era (people who are now in 50 - 65 age group) and I'm not ready for it to come back. It isn't 'old lady' enough to have come back round, for my mind.

HughsMermaid · 07/06/2024 21:37

My sil is Carolyn - it's put me right off 😁

HughsMermaid · 07/06/2024 21:37

My sil is Carolyn - it's put me right off 😁

ZenNudist · 07/06/2024 21:36

Personally I think Caroline is a classic name. I don't like Carolyn which I pronounce with Lynn at the end.

RosaRoja · 07/06/2024 21:34

Both are nice. Depends if you like the -line or the -lynn ending sound.

ciaopizza · 07/06/2024 21:32

I love Carolyn. Beautiful feminine name. Caroline sounds so bland.

TheOnceAndFutureQueen · 07/06/2024 21:32

I think it depends how you want to pronounce it. My sister is Caroline (pronounced Caro-line), whereas I would read Carolyn as "Caro-Lynn".

erint09 · 07/06/2024 21:31

Caroline. Carolyn makes me think of a grumpy old woman not a baby. Caroline feels like a sweet young child