What does Karena mean and where does it come from?
Karena has Indonesian origins, often meaning 'beloved' or 'dear'. In some contexts, it is also derived from the Latin name 'Carmen', meaning 'poem', and has connotations of purity. The name is popular in Indonesia and among Indonesian diaspora communities. It has become a recognized name globally, p
Cultural significance
Karena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Indonesia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved, dear.
Peak popularity
Reached #1047 in 1974 — currently #7307 in the US.
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Related Reading
Indonesia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Karena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Karena?
Karena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karena Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Karena Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Karena Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Karena Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Karena Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Karena Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Karena right now?
Rising fast — up 1387 spots — currently #7307 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7307 | 15 | ▲ up 1387 · +25% births |
| 2024 | #8694 | 12 | ▲ up 4079 · +71% births |
| 2023 | #12773 | 7 | ▲ up 98 |
| 2022 | #12871 | 7 | ▼ down 2955 · -30% births |
| 2021 | #9916 | 10 | ▼ down 3292 · -41% births |
| 2020 | #6624 | 17 | ▼ down 555 · -19% births |
| 2015 | #6069 | 21 | ▼ down 1057 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #5012 | 28 | ▼ down 1343 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #3669 | 40 | ▼ down 1647 · -51% births |
| 2000 | #2022 | 82 | ▼ down 97 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #1925 | 72 | ▲ up 91 · +7% births |
| 1990 | #2016 | 67 | ▼ down 192 · +8% births |
| 1985 | #1824 | 62 | ▼ down 171 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #1653 | 70 | ▼ down 468 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #1185 | 98 | — |
The story of Karena
Karena entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. With 3,456 total births recorded, Karena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5904 in 1950, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12773 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Karena in 1974:
Karena by decade
Karena peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 14 | |
| 1950s | 48 | |
| 1960s | 261 | |
| 1970s ★ | 962 | |
| 1980s | 651 | |
| 1990s | 768 | |
| 2000s | 508 | |
| 2010s | 227 | |
| 2020s | 44 | |
💎With 3,456 total births, Karena is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Karena?
ENGLISH
KaetyKateeKateyKatieKaty
What names sound and feel like Karena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karena also consider these
How is Karena written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Karena?
Common questions about the name Karena
What does the name Karena mean?
Karena means "Beloved, dear" — a name rooted in Indonesia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Karena?
Karena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Karena?
Karena originates from Indonesia tradition. Indonesia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Karena?
Karena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Indonesia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Karena a common or rare name?
Karena is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.