Carroll

Part of speech: noun, proper noun

Definitions

1. A proper noun referring to a common English surname used for individuals or families; a reference to notable people bearing this name in literature and history; a place name in certain English-speaking regions
2. A family name originating from Gaelic roots, employed as a last name by various persons; associated with cultural or historical figures known by this designation; sometimes used as a name for towns or localities
3. A surname derived from Irish Gaelic, identifying a family lineage; linked to distinguished personalities and fictional characters; also appearing as a geographic identifier in English-speaking areas

Etymology: Carroll is a family name that is simply a spelling variant of "carol", and the surname's origin is the same as the word for a Christmas song. The Middle English "carole" meant a round dance performed with singing, and it came from Old French "carole", with the same sense. Where that French word came from is uncertain. One suggestion links it to a Medieval Latin term for a flute player accompanying a chorus dance, which in turn came from Greek words for "choir" or "dance" and "flute". Another proposes a Latin diminutive of "corona", meaning a little crown or garland, a picture of dancers joined in a ring. The meaning of the root narrowed over time. By the Middle English period the word could mean a religious poem or song, and a related verb "carolen" meant to dance and sing in a round, or, figuratively, to spend time noisily or unprofitably. Medieval writers also used the noun for a small enclosure or study stall, possibly because the item surrounds the person using it.