Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Karin is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Greek name Katherine meaning 'pure'. It has evolved through various forms and has been widely used in Scandinavian countries. The name carries connotations of elegance and simplicity and has gained significant popularity in the 20th century. It does not have a biblical background, and notable figures with this name include singers, authors, and dancers.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɑːrɪn/
Origin
Scandinavian
Etymology
Karin is a variant of the name Katherine, which has Greek origins and means 'pure'. The name has evolved through various languages and cultures, particularly in Scandinavia.
Meaning
pure
Language Evolution
Catherine (Greek), Katherine (Latin), Katrin (German), Karin (Scandinavian)
Historical Usage
Karin gained popularity in Scandinavia during the 20th century and has been a common name in Sweden and Norway.
Variants & Derivatives
Karin, Katrin, Katherine, Kathy
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Karin is perceived as a classic and timeless name, often associated with elegance and simplicity.
Famous People
Karin Dreijer (singer), Karin Slaughter (author), Karin Kain (ballet dancer)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,051 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (17 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 17 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5827th of 10718 | 46 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9965th of 16616 | 33 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 11654th of 24088 | 61 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 11719th of 23106 | 53 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3085th of 9107 | 156 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 693rd of 9204 | 1,933 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 373rd of 12526 | 11,318 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 353rd of 19264 | 11,047 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 958th of 27321 | 2,934 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2890th of 35406 | 889 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5870th of 30306 | 255 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
100.00% 1379th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
32.08% 496th/1546 |
32.07% 499th/1556 |
83.98% 1976th/2353 |
30.25% 468th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
14.19% 316th/2227 |
11.60% 282nd/2430 |
23.10% 659th/2853 |
10.81% 300th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
10.59% 311th/2937 |
7.24% 252nd/3483 |
15.49% 545th/3518 |
8.46% 342nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
23.20% 855th/3685 |
17.30% 774th/4475 |
25.90% 1345th/5194 |
15.02% 949th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
83.65% 3833rd/4582 |
40.80% 2107th/5164 |
52.32% 3826th/7313 |
32.35% 2414th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
- |
78.59% 4932nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Minnesota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5827th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9965th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11654th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 11719th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3085th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 693rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 373rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 353rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 958th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2890th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5870th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.