Name Meaning

Carrie Name Meaning | Origin, History & Popularity

Carrie is a timeless and classic name that has been popular for decades. It is a name with multiple meanings and origins, making it a unique and versatile choice. In this article, we will explore the meaning, popularity, history, cultural significance, and famous people associated with this name.

Meaning of the Name:

The name Carrie has multiple meanings and origins, depending on the culture and language. In Old English, Carrie means “free man” or “one who is strong”. In Welsh, it means “love” or “beloved”. In Hebrew, it means “blessed” or “full of grace”. The name is also considered a diminutive form of Caroline or Carol, which means “song of happiness” or “free woman”.

Popularity:

Carrie has been a popular name for girls in the United States for over a century. According to the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), Carrie ranked as the 573rd most popular name in the United States in 2020, with 425 babies named Carrie that year. However, the name’s popularity has declined in recent years, with a significant drop in usage since the 1970s and 1980s.

History:

The name Carrie has a long and interesting history, with references in various cultures and time periods. In the United States, the name gained popularity in the 19th century, with famous literary characters such as Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City” and Carrie White from “Carrie” by Stephen King.

In the United Kingdom, the name was popularized by the novel “Carrie’s War” by Nina Bawden. The name also has a biblical reference, as it is a variation of the name Caroline, which means “free woman” in Greek and was the name of one of the wives of King David in the Bible.

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Cultural Significance:

The name Carrie has cultural significance in various cultures around the world. In American culture, the name is associated with strong and independent women, thanks to characters such as Carrie Bradshaw. The name is also linked to the feminist movement and women’s empowerment.

In Welsh culture, the name is considered a symbol of love and devotion. In Hebrew culture, the name is linked to spirituality and blessings. The name’s cultural significance has also been highlighted through music, with songs such as “Carrie” by Europe and “Carrie Anne” by The Hollies.

Famous People with the Name:

There have been several famous people throughout history with the name Carrie. Here are a few notable examples:

  1. Carrie Fisher: The late actress and writer was best known for her role as Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” franchise. She was also an advocate for mental health awareness and wrote several books, including “Wishful Drinking” and “The Princess Diarist”.
  2. Carrie Underwood: The country singer and songwriter has won numerous awards and accolades, including seven Grammy Awards. She has released several albums, including “Carnival Ride” and “Blown Away”.
  3. Carrie Chapman Catt: The women’s suffrage leader and activist played a significant role in securing women’s right to vote in the United States. She was also the founder of the League of Women Voters.
  4. Carrie Brownstein: The musician and actress is best known as the guitarist and vocalist for the band Sleater-Kinney. She has also acted in several TV shows, including “Portlandia” and “Transparent”.