What does Karin mean and where does it come from?
Karin is a variant of the name Katherine, which has roots in Greek. In Sweden, it is quite popular and has been used since the 19th century. In Japan, 'Karin' can refer to the quince fruit and is often used in literary contexts. The name is well-known in many cultures and is also associated with not
Cultural significance
Karin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #276 in 1967 — currently #7991 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sweden-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Karin?
Karin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karin Claire
French influence · crisp
Karin Jane
Literary · strong
Karin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karin right now?
Falling — down 1987 spots — currently #7991 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7991 | 10 | ▼ down 1987 · -33% births |
| 2022 | #6004 | 15 | ▲ up 5433 · +150% births |
| 2021 | #11437 | 6 | ▼ down 3505 · -54% births |
| 2020 | #7932 | 13 | ▼ down 3203 · -55% births |
| 2015 | #4729 | 29 | ▼ down 837 · -26% births |
| 2010 | #3892 | 39 | ▼ down 574 · -15% births |
| 2005 | #3318 | 46 | ▼ down 1139 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #2179 | 73 | ▼ down 492 · -16% births |
| 1995 | #1687 | 87 | ▼ down 579 · -45% births |
| 1990 | #1108 | 158 | ▼ down 277 · -19% births |
| 1985 | #831 | 196 | ▼ down 278 · -42% births |
| 1980 | #553 | 337 | ▼ down 150 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #403 | 503 | ▼ down 125 · -52% births |
| 1970 | #278 | 1,051 | ▲ up 12 · +15% births |
| 1965 | #290 | 917 | — |
The story of Karin
Karin entered American naming records in 1907 and has been in use for over 117 years. A total of 28,615 babies have received this name. Once ranked #2350 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7991 in 2023. Karin is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Karin in 1967:
Karin by decade
Karin peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 77 | |
| 1920s | 104 | |
| 1930s | 557 | |
| 1940s | 2,811 | |
| 1950s | 5,767 | |
| 1960s ★ | 8,785 | |
| 1970s | 6,040 | |
| 1980s | 2,433 | |
| 1990s | 1,135 | |
| 2000s | 579 | |
| 2010s | 301 | |
| 2020s | 20 | |
What are good nicknames for Karin?
ENGLISH
KaetyKateeKateyKatieKaty
What names sound and feel like Karin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karin also consider these
How is Karin written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Karin
What does the name Karin mean?
Karin means "pure" — a name rooted in Sweden 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 Karin?
Karin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Karin have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Karin?
Karin originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Karin trending right now?
Karin is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Karin a common or rare name?
Karin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.