US Popularity Rank: 13519

Origin: German

Meaning: Descendant of Cearbhallán; Free man, man

Carlyn is a feminine name of Old German and Irish origin, meaning "free man." This melodic name is steeped in history and is derived from an old Irish surname O'Carlain or O'Carlin, meaning “descendant of Cearbhallán.” The name became anglicized over time and is now most known as Carolan, or of course, Carlyn. O'Carolan was a popular family name in ancient Ireland and the name of a famous blind composer, Turlough O'Carolan, who was once on the Irish £50 note. Carlyn is also derived from the German name Karl which means "free man" or "man." The name Carlyn and its variations have had significant roots in history, making little one destined for great things.