What does Karina mean and where does it come from?
Karina has multiple roots and is found across different cultures. It is derived from the Latin 'Carina,' meaning 'beloved' or 'dear.' In Russian and Polish contexts, it is associated with purity. The name gained popularity in various forms, often used in Slavic countries as well as in Latin American
Cultural significance
Karina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved.
Peak popularity
Reached #108 in 1996 — currently #761 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Karina?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Karina?
Karina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karina Claire
French influence · crisp
Karina Jane
Literary · strong
Karina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karina right now?
Falling — down 60 spots — currently #761 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #761 | 370 | ▼ down 60 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #701 | 421 | ▼ down 25 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #676 | 432 | ▼ down 65 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #611 | 472 | ▼ down 151 · -31% births |
| 2015 | #460 | 689 | ▼ down 167 · -38% births |
| 2010 | #293 | 1,110 | ▼ down 81 · -32% births |
| 2005 | #212 | 1,630 | ▼ down 53 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #159 | 2,133 | ▼ down 50 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #109 | 2,985 | ▲ up 80 · +91% births |
| 1990 | #189 | 1,561 | ▲ up 162 · +133% births |
| 1985 | #351 | 670 | stable · -1% births |
| 1980 | #351 | 675 | ▲ up 236 · +144% births |
| 1975 | #587 | 277 | ▲ up 296 · +83% births |
| 1970 | #883 | 151 | ▲ up 379 · +107% births |
| 1965 | #1262 | 73 | — |
The story of Karina
Karina entered American naming records in 1956 and has been in use for over 68 years. A total of 59,733 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3205 in 1960 to #761 in 2023. Karina is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Karina in 1996:
Karina by decade
Karina peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 51 | |
| 1960s | 685 | |
| 1970s | 2,875 | |
| 1980s | 8,485 | |
| 1990s ★ | 22,720 | |
| 2000s | 17,088 | |
| 2010s | 7,357 | |
| 2020s | 472 | |
What are good nicknames for Karina?
ENGLISH
KaetyKateeKateyKatieKaty
Famous people named Karina
K(
Karina (historical Roman figure)
Karina carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
K(
Karina (Roman senator or statesman)
Karina held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Karina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karina also consider these
How is Karina written in other languages?
Gender variants of Karina
Common questions about the name Karina
What does the name Karina mean?
Karina means "beloved" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Karina?
Karina is currently ranked #761 as a baby 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 Karina?
Karina originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Karina?
Karina is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA0 R IY1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Karina?
Karina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.