Carrie

What does the baby name Carrie mean? Learn about what Carrie means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Carrie - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Carrie
C-A-R-R-I-E, is a 6-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Carrie
KER-ee
KAYR ee
KAHR ree
Meaning of Carrie
Little and womanly, free, free woman, short form of names in car-.
Origin of Carrie
The name 'Carrie' finds its roots in the Germanic language, specifically as a diminutive form of the name 'Caroline'. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the United States, where it gained popularity in the late 1800s.
American Names
Celebrity Names
English Names
Germanic Names
Literary Names
Pet Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Carrie
Cara
Caralie
Carel
Carey
Carina
Carine
Carissa
Carla
Carleen
Carley
Carlin
Carlina
Carline
Carlita
Carlotta
Carly
Carlyn
Caro
Carol
Carola
Carolena
Carolina
Carolinda
Caroline
Carolyn
Charla
Charleen
Charlene
Charmain
Charmaine
Charmian
Cherlyn
Cheryl
Ina
Kara
Lola
Lolita
Lotta
Lotte
Lottie
Sharice
Sharise
Sharleen
Sharlotte
Popularity of Carrie
Over the years, the popularity of the name 'Carrie' has had its ups and downs. In the late 19th century, it experienced a notable spike in usage, reaching its peak in the 1880s. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the publication of Louisa May Alcott 's novel 'Little Women', which featured a beloved character named 'Carrie'.

However, in the early 20th century, the name gradually declined in popularity. It wasn 't until the 1970s that 'Carrie' experienced a resurgence, thanks to the release of Stephen King 's iconic horror novel and subsequent film adaptation of the same name. The character of 'Carrie' White became widely known, and the name regained its appeal among parents.
Carrie currently has 234 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked girl's names. The name Keisha is slightly more popular than Carrie.

Etymology of Carrie

The etymology of the name 'Carrie' is closely tied to its parent name, 'Caroline'. 'Caroline' is derived from the Germanic name 'Karl', which means 'free man' or 'manly'. The addition of the feminine suffix '-line' softens the name, giving it a more delicate and feminine touch. Thus, 'Carrie' can be seen as a diminutive form of 'Caroline', carrying the same meaning of freedom and strength.

Cultural Significance of Carrie

While 'Carrie' does not have any specific cultural significance, it has become a name associated with strong and independent female characters in literature and film. From Louisa May Alcott 's 'Carrie' March to Stephen King 's 'Carrie' White, the name has been portrayed as belonging to resilient and empowered women.