Karen Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Karen Name Meaning

Fact: The name Karen was extremely popular in the U.S. from the 1930s to the 1970s, peaking as the third most popular girl’s name in 1965​.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Karen Overview

Meaning

Pure

Gender

Girl

Origin

Danish

Etymology

Derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which means “pure”.

Pronunciation

/ˈkærən/

Popularity

Karen was very popular in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

22 (Influential, Visionary, Powerful)

Name Styles

Traditional, Classic, Vintage

Associated Traits

Responsible, organized, strong-willed

Name Day

November 25th
A Deep Dive

Karen Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Caren, Karin, Caryn, Karyn, Karena, Carina, Kerin, Karon, Karenina, Karina

Common Nicknames

Kar, Kare, Kara, Kay, Kiki, Koko, Ren, Kare Bear, KK, Karee

Diminutives

Kar, Kare, Kiki, Koko, Kay, Kari, Ren

Famous People

  • Karen Gillan
    (Scottish Actress)
  • Karen Carpenter
    (American Singer)
  • Karen Fukuhara
    (American Actress)
  • Karen Bass
    (American Politician)
  • Karen Black
    (American Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Karen Smith
    ("Mean Girls," Film)
  • Karen Walker
    ("Will & Grace," TV Show)
  • Karen Page
    ("Daredevil," TV Show)
  • Karen Filippelli
    ("The Office," TV Show)
  • Karen Jackson
    ("Shameless," TV Show)

Places

  • Karen Suburb, Nairobi, Kenya, Karen Town, Phetchaburi, Thailand

What Is the Meaning of Karen?

Karen means “pure.” This name often implies a sense of innocence and clarity.

What Is the Origin of The Name Karen?

Karen originates from Denmark and is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which means “pure.” It is a Danish diminutive of Katherine​.

Karen Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Karen in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#10882021#12102022#10922023
Top 3 Rankings#31965#41958#41959

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Karen

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
20231092
(+118 from 2022)
224
(+25 from 2022)
0.01281
20221210
(-122 from 2021)
199
(-30 from 2021)
0.01110
20211088
(-267 from 2020)
229
(-102 from 2020)
0.01278
2020821
(-160 from 2019)
331
(-108 from 2019)
0.01872
2019661
(-25 from 2018)
439
(-30 from 2018)
0.02393
2018636
(-80 from 2017)
469
(-84 from 2017)
0.02522
2017556
(-48 from 2016)
553
(-63 from 2016)
0.02927
2016508
(-3 from 2015)
616
(-11 from 2015)
0.03182
2015505
(-11 from 2014)
627
(-6 from 2014)
0.03214
2014494
(-78 from 2013)
633
(-97 from 2013)
0.03236
2013416
(-62 from 2012)
730
(-166 from 2012)
0.03787
2012354
(-67 from 2011)
896
(-208 from 2011)
0.04620
2011287
(-39 from 2010)
1104
(-183 from 2010)
0.05697
2010248
(-18 from 2009)
1287
(-146 from 2009)
0.06564
2009230
(-43 from 2008)
1433
(-383 from 2008)
0.07076
2008187
(-22 from 2007)
1816
(-356 from 2007)
0.08719
2007165
(+8 from 2006)
2172
(+142 from 2006)
0.10262
2006173
(-9 from 2005)
2030
(-35 from 2005)
0.09710
2005164
(-9 from 2004)
2065
(-103 from 2004)
0.10175
2004155
(-14 from 2003)
2168
(-163 from 2003)
0.10744
2003141
(+9 from 2002)
2331
(+107 from 2002)
0.11618
2002150
(-2 from 2001)
2224
(+29 from 2001)
0.11261
2001148
(+5 from 2000)
2195
(+21 from 2000)
0.11081
2000153
(-4 from 1999)
2174
(+2 from 1999)
0.10893
1999149
(+3 from 1998)
2172
(+99 from 1998)
0.11157
1998152
(-10 from 1997)
2073
(-152 from 1997)
0.10694
1997142
(-9 from 1996)
2225
(-176 from 1996)
0.11654
1996133
(+9 from 1995)
2401
(+133 from 1995)
0.12523
1995142
(-14 from 1994)
2268
(-219 from 1994)
0.11803
1994128
(-12 from 1993)
2487
(-320 from 1993)
0.12758
1993116
(+5 from 1992)
2807
(+42 from 1992)
0.14238
1992121
(+1 from 1991)
2765
(+166 from 1991)
0.13793
1991122
(-2 from 1990)
2599
(-117 from 1990)
0.12781
1990120
(-10 from 1989)
2716
(-44 from 1989)
0.13220
1989110
(+1 from 1988)
2760
(+193 from 1988)
0.13854
1988111
(-4 from 1987)
2567
(-12 from 1987)
0.13348
1987107
(-7 from 1986)
2579
(-222 from 1986)
0.13760
1986100
(-13 from 1985)
2801
(-337 from 1985)
0.15178
198587
(-5 from 1984)
3138
(-399 from 1984)
0.16996
198482
(-5 from 1983)
3537
(-251 from 1983)
0.19614
198377
(-9 from 1982)
3788
(-366 from 1982)
0.21166
198268
(-4 from 1981)
4154
(-384 from 1981)
0.22896
198164
(-10 from 1980)
4538
(-518 from 1980)
0.25373
198054
(-8 from 1979)
5056
(-543 from 1979)
0.28394
197946
(-7 from 1978)
5599
(-772 from 1978)
0.32490
197839
(-7 from 1977)
6371
(-1070 from 1977)
0.38756
197732
(-1 from 1976)
7441
(-63 from 1976)
0.45234
197631
(-4 from 1975)
7504
(-667 from 1975)
0.47738
197527
(-1 from 1974)
8171
(-473 from 1974)
0.52349
197426
(-3 from 1973)
8644
(-708 from 1973)
0.55189
197323
(-2 from 1972)
9352
(-1829 from 1972)
0.60176
197221
(-6 from 1971)
11181
(-3032 from 1971)
0.69337
197115
(-3 from 1970)
14213
(-2486 from 1970)
0.81097
197012
(+1 from 1969)
16699
(-934 from 1969)
0.91159
196913
(-4 from 1968)
17633
(-1927 from 1968)
1.00032
19689
(-3 from 1967)
19560
(-1982 from 1967)
1.14407
19676
(-1 from 1966)
21542
(-3908 from 1966)
1.25475
19665
(-2 from 1965)
25450
(-7417 from 1965)
1.44951
19653
(+1 from 1964)
32867
(+2617 from 1964)
1.79850
19644
No change from 1963
30250
(-2235 from 1963)
1.54545
19634
No change from 1962
32485
(-2701 from 1962)
1.63399
19624
(+1 from 1961)
35186
(+490 from 1961)
1.73596
19615
(-1 from 1960)
34696
(-1685 from 1960)
1.67037
19604
No change from 1959
36381
(-398 from 1959)
1.74930
19594
No change from 1958
36779
(-1705 from 1958)
1.76940
19584
(+1 from 1957)
38484
(-2108 from 1957)
1.86295
19575
(+2 from 1956)
40592
(+541 from 1956)
1.93467
19567
(+1 from 1955)
40051
(+6832 from 1955)
1.94466
19558
No change from 1954
33219
(+764 from 1954)
1.65689
19548
(+1 from 1953)
32455
(+2597 from 1953)
1.63021
19539
(-1 from 1952)
29858
(+902 from 1952)
1.54744
19528
No change from 1951
28956
(+957 from 1951)
1.52240
19518
(+4 from 1950)
27999
(+3867 from 1950)
1.51569
195012
(-1 from 1949)
24132
(+1664 from 1949)
1.37228
194911
(+1 from 1948)
22468
(+472 from 1948)
1.27985
194812
(+1 from 1947)
21996
(+348 from 1947)
1.26219
194713
(+2 from 1946)
21648
(+2001 from 1946)
1.19084
194615
(+1 from 1945)
19647
(+3967 from 1945)
1.21811
194516
No change from 1944
15680
(-264 from 1944)
1.16484
194416
(-1 from 1943)
15944
(-873 from 1943)
1.16675
194315
(+1 from 1942)
16817
(+1432 from 1942)
1.17159
194216
(+3 from 1941)
15385
(+4554 from 1941)
1.10646
194119
(+15 from 1940)
10831
(+3548 from 1940)
0.86927
194034
(+5 from 1939)
7283
(+1742 from 1939)
0.61650
193939
(+11 from 1938)
5541
(+1033 from 1938)
0.48859
193850
(+63 from 1937)
4508
(+2276 from 1937)
0.39494
1937113
(+19 from 1936)
2232
(+514 from 1936)
0.20257
1936132
(+40 from 1935)
1718
(+621 from 1935)
0.15943
1935172
(+86 from 1934)
1097
(+509 from 1934)
0.10094
1934258
(+25 from 1933)
588
(+135 from 1933)
0.05433
1933283
(+84 from 1932)
453
(+150 from 1932)
0.04331
1932367
(+168 from 1931)
303
(+151 from 1931)
0.02739
1931535
(+154 from 1930)
152
(+52 from 1930)
0.01377
1930689
(+109 from 1929)
100
(+22 from 1929)
0.00857
1929798
(+18 from 1928)
78
No change from 1928
0.00674
1928816
(+194 from 1927)
78
(+21 from 1927)
0.00652
19271010
(-58 from 1926)
57
(-5 from 1926)
0.00461
1926952
(+137 from 1925)
62
(+13 from 1925)
0.00504
19251089
(-90 from 1924)
49
(-9 from 1924)
0.00388
1924999
(+102 from 1923)
58
(+10 from 1923)
0.00448
19231101
(-23 from 1922)
48
(-2 from 1922)
0.00383
19221078
(+106 from 1921)
50
(+8 from 1921)
0.00401
19211184
(-13 from 1920)
42
No change from 1920
0.00328
19201171
(+356 from 1919)
42
(+15 from 1919)
0.00338
19191527
(-567 from 1918)
27
(-29 from 1918)
0.00230
1918960
(+66 from 1917)
56
(+9 from 1917)
0.00466
19171026
(+61 from 1916)
47
(+5 from 1916)
0.00418
19161087
(+53 from 1915)
42
(+6 from 1915)
0.00387
19151140
(-117 from 1914)
36
(+2 from 1914)
0.00352
19141023
(+743 from 1913)
34
(+22 from 1913)
0.00427
19131766
(-806 from 1912)
12
(-16 from 1912)
0.00183
1912960
(+490 from 1911)
28
(+17 from 1911)
0.00477
19111450
(-29 from 1910)
11
No change from 1910
0.00249
19101421
(-202 from 1909)
11
(-1 from 1909)
0.00262
19091219
(-84 from 1908)
12
(-1 from 1908)
0.00326
19081135
(-98 from 1907)
13
(-1 from 1907)
0.00367
19071037
(-120 from 1906)
14
(-2 from 1906)
0.00415
1906917
(+245 from 1905)
16
(+5 from 1905)
0.00510
19051162
(-70 from 1904)
11
No change from 1904
0.00355
19041092
(+226 from 1903)
11
(+3 from 1903)
0.00376
19031318
(+361 from 1901)
8
(+3 from 1901)
0.00288
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19011679
(-248 from 1900)
5
(-3 from 1900)
0.00197
19001431
(-332 from 1899)
8
(-1 from 1899)
0.00252
18991099
(+164 from 1898)
9
(+1 from 1898)
0.00364
18981263
(+292 from 1897)
8
(+3 from 1897)
0.00292
18971555
(-433 from 1896)
5
(-4 from 1896)
0.00201
18961122
(-172 from 1894)
9
(-2 from 1894)
0.00357
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1894950
(+225 from 1893)
11
(+4 from 1893)
0.00466
18931175
(-217 from 1892)
7
(-3 from 1892)
0.00311
1892958
(+255 from 1891)
10
(+4 from 1891)
0.00445
18911213
(-486 from 1890)
6
(-8 from 1890)
0.00305
1890727
(+112 from 1889)
14
(+4 from 1889)
0.00694
1889839
(+437 from 1888)
10
(+5 from 1888)
0.00528
18881276
(-488 from 1887)
5
(-4 from 1887)
0.00264
1887788
(-10 from 1886)
9
No change from 1886
0.00579
1886778
(-83 from 1885)
9
(-1 from 1885)
0.00585
1885695
(+45 from 1881)
10
(+4 from 1881)
0.00704
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1881740
First SSA data recorded
6
First SSA data recorded
0.00607
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Karen

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#8532021#8952022#10532023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#9442021#10612022#9502023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#6772021#7562022#10762023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#12422021#13592022#10782023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#8102021#11842022#8332023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#10882017#7002018#10122019

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#10852021#11692022#11852023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#8892021#13162022#5722023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#6282019#6222020#8042021

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#9112018#9122019#8792022

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#6562020#11362021#6082023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#8892018#10112022#9732023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#7972017#8242018#9142021

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#12372021#13792022#10162023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#13202021#8552022#11872023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#9722020#11412022#10962023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#9912021#6862022#5792023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#5452018#6302021#6202023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#5912019#11642020#10192021

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#7432020#11272021#8992023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#7392019#6442020#8652022

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#3682011#5292012#4762014

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#8072018#6092020#6782021

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#9392014#8372015#9282016

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#5692016#6422017#5412019

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#8642016#5212017#6772019

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#5182016#7392018#8922023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#6702016#6722017#5862018

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2551996#3692007#3682011

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#7332016#4672017#5972019

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#7982013#8252015#8112017

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3842011#3302012#4592018

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#6042016#3942019#6332021

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2002010#1712012#1842013

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#6592015#7412018#7812019

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#7772019#7942020#9922022

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#3892010#6132011#5832012

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1942004#2172005#1782006

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1831993#2051994#1841997

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1981986#1851988#1021989

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1501989#1891994#1911998

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3622013#3272014#2872016

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#4212006#2632007#4292008

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1571987#1922001#1942015

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2421991#2081992#1961993

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1492002#2152003#2542010

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1652008#892009#2062010

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1281989#1461990#1331996

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4922014#6172016#5952018

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#841985#751986#1161987

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1891994#1101996#1722000

Popularity Rankings for Karen in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#32019#32020#22021

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#601984#881985#981986

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#1222021#1612022

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#1322009#1432010#1542011

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#1422005#1972006#1722007

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#1661998#1941999#1632000

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1821990#1721991#1981992

Popularity in Mexico

Mexico flagMexico#2122020#2242021

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#2712007#2312008#4672009

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#2582021#3492022#3422023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#3642004#3022005#4682006

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3082004#3222005#4102007

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#5692016#4912017#3892019

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#4132007#4392008#4302010

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#4712017#6292018#8712019

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#7822017#10162019#13342022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#8562013#9142015#9062016

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#9952008#9822009#9882010

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Karen a Name for Boys or Girls?

Karen is typically a name for girls in English-speaking countries. However, in some cultures, such as Armenian and Persian, it is used as a masculine name.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Karen

Karen in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Karen Gillan (TV Actress, born 1987): A Scottish actress known for her role as Amy Pond in "Doctor Who" and for playing Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
  • Karen Carpenter (Pop Singer, 1950-1983): An American singer and drummer who was one-half of the famous duo The Carpenters, known for her unique voice.
  • Karen Fukuhara (Movie Actress, born 1992): An American actress best known for her roles in "Suicide Squad" and "The Boys."
  • Karen Bass (Politician, born 1953): An American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 37th congressional district since 2011.
  • Karen Black (Movie Actress, 1939-2013): An American actress known for her roles in "Five Easy Pieces" and "Easy Rider."
  • Karen Clark Sheard (Gospel Singer, born 1960): An American gospel singer and member of the influential group The Clark Sisters.
  • Karen Allen (Movie Actress, born 1951): An American actress famous for her roles in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Starman."
  • Karen Blixen (Author, 1885-1962): A Danish author known for her works "Out of Africa" and "Babette's Feast" written under the pen name Isak Dinesen.
  • Karen Hauer (Dancer, born 1982): A Venezuelan dancer known as the longest-serving female professional on "Strictly Come Dancing."
  • Karen Khachanov (Tennis Player, born 1996): A Russian professional tennis player who has won several ATP singles titles.
  • Karen Smith ("Mean Girls," 2004 Film): A naive and comedic character in this popular teen movie, known for her funny lines and simple-minded nature.
  • Karen Walker ("Will & Grace," 1998 TV Show): A wealthy, sharp-tongued socialite with a love for alcohol and sarcasm, providing much of the show's comic relief.
  • Karen Page ("Daredevil," 2015 TV Show): A central character in this Marvel series, she is a determined journalist who uncovers corruption and fights for justice.
  • Karen Filippelli ("The Office," 2006 TV Show): A sales representative at Dunder Mifflin, known for her brief romantic relationship with Jim Halpert.
  • Karen Jackson ("Shameless," 2011 TV Show): A troubled and rebellious teenager who has a complicated relationship with her family and friends.
  • Karen Arnold ("The Wonder Years," 1988 TV Show): The older sister of Kevin Arnold, who often clashes with her parents due to her liberal views and rebellious nature.
  • Karen Brockman ("Outnumbered," 2007 TV Show): A clever and imaginative young girl who often questions the adults around her in this British sitcom.
  • Karen ("Frost/Nixon," 2008 Film): A minor character in this historical drama about the famous interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon.
  • Karen ("GoodFellas," 1990 Film): Karen Hill, the wife of mobster Henry Hill, who narrates part of the story and provides a perspective on life in the mafia.
  • Karen Suburb, Nairobi, Kenya: A suburb of Nairobi, known for its spacious properties, upscale restaurants, and lush gardens. It houses the famous Karen Blixen Museum and several high-end malls like The Hub and The Waterfront.
  • Karen Town, Phetchaburi, Thailand: A town in the Phetchaburi province, known for its scenic views and historical sites.

Similar Names to Karen

Sibling Names for Karen