If you want to know what Caroline means, you have to look at the name Karl. The origin of the first name Karl is disputed, but the derivation from the Old High German word ‘karal’ for ‘man, husband, lover’ is particularly common. However, the name may also derive from the Old High German word ‘heri’, which would give a meaning of ‘army, war band’. Mostly the meanings ‘the free’ or ‘the capable’ are attributed to Karl, and therefore to Caroline as well.