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I've always prefer Carolyn to Caroline. I usually don't love the "-lyn" ending for names, but I think Carolyn sounds less harsh than Caroline. (I like the name Caroline, but I put it in a similar boat with names like Joan or Gretchen, names I like but I think are rather deliberately un-feminine sounding.)

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I went to college with a Carolyn (I'm 30), but besides her, it seems most bearers of this name have been Gen X-era, mid-50s or older. I've never encountered a Karolyn in real life, but I think Carolyn looks more aesthetically pleasing.

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As far as a comeback, who knows? I wouldn't hate it.

It’s actually my name. I hate it. I’m in my early 20s and it always seemed so heavy and old fashioned. Not to mention harsh sounding.

This message was edited 5/6/2023, 12:28 PM

I love the name Carolyn! If I could, I’d definitely use it for a daughter. In all honestly, I feel like it could gain traction; old-fashioned names are still popular. I don’t know many people with this name who aren’t 70+. So, I don’t get the Boomer or Gen X thing (which are my parent’s generations) too much, personally. I feel like it would be a nice alternative to Caroline, which is popular here (yet of course, Caroline is a wonderful name!). Totally recommend Carolyn.

This message was edited 5/6/2023, 9:10 AM

I've always had a soft spot for Carolyn. It's a humble beauty.

Carolyn seems very old-fashioned. I far prefer Caroline, and used it for my daughter. I can't see the connection with Caitlin, I'm afraid.

Nope, too early.
Boomer name. Not gen X.
I'd look for Caroline instead, otherwise Carol.
Charlotte is already filling the slot that Carolyn would occupy.
It seems more likely to me that some new spin on the name, would be the only measurable comeback within my lifetime. Caro, Cary (as unisex), or Carlin maybe. >10 years out at least.

It’s okay but Caroline is so much more nicer.

I heavily associate Carolyn with Baby Boomers and Gen X. I think it's too early for Carolyn to come back now. I feel like Caroline is more timeless.

I hate it. It’s giving matron…it’s giving country bumpkin. Caroline is infinitely better.

I think it's still too early to expect it to come back; it was popular far ahead of its time, style-wise, like Marilyn and Jerilyn. I do like it, it's much more cheerful and down to earth than gloomy Caroline.