What does Karine mean and where does it come from?
Karine is a name of French and Armenian origins. In French, it translates to 'pure' or 'beloved'. In Armenia, it is often linked to warmth, light, and brightness, indicating a positive disposition. The name has been used in various cultures, enjoying popularity in several regions and has notable per
Cultural significance
Karine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #1538 in 1966 — currently #9935 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Karine?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Karine?
Karine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Karine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karine Claire
French influence · crisp
Karine Jane
Literary · strong
Karine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karine right now?
Rising fast — up 1766 spots — currently #9935 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9935 | 10 | ▲ up 1766 · +25% births |
| 2022 | #11701 | 8 | ▲ up 4720 · +60% births |
| 2021 | #16421 | 5 | ▼ down 5330 · -37% births |
| 2020 | #11091 | 8 | ▲ up 5512 · +60% births |
| 2015 | #16603 | 5 | ▼ down 6748 · -55% births |
| 2010 | #9855 | 11 | ▼ down 3287 · -39% births |
| 2005 | #6568 | 18 | ▼ down 1055 · -10% births |
| 2000 | #5513 | 20 | ▼ down 1143 · -13% births |
| 1995 | #4370 | 23 | ▼ down 628 · -18% births |
| 1990 | #3742 | 28 | ▲ up 150 · +33% births |
| 1985 | #3892 | 21 | ▼ down 804 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #3088 | 28 | ▲ up 1564 · +115% births |
| 1975 | #4652 | 13 | ▼ down 892 · -19% births |
| 1970 | #3760 | 16 | ▼ down 300 · +14% births |
| 1965 | #3460 | 14 | — |
The story of Karine
Karine entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 1,180 total births recorded, Karine remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4803 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9935 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Karine in 1966:
Karine by decade
Karine peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 6 | |
| 1930s | 22 | |
| 1940s | 54 | |
| 1950s | 44 | |
| 1960s | 206 | |
| 1970s | 192 | |
| 1980s ★ | 209 | |
| 1990s | 208 | |
| 2000s | 158 | |
| 2010s | 68 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎With 1,180 total births, Karine is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Karine?
Famous people named Karine
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Karine (French author)
Karine immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
K(
Karine (French impressionist artist)
Karine used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
K(
Karine (medieval French noble)
Karine held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
K(
Karine (French author)
Karine immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Karine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karine also consider these
Common questions about the name Karine
What does the name Karine mean?
Karine means "pure" — a name rooted in French 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 Karine?
Karine is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Karine have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Karine?
Karine originates from French tradition. French 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 Karine?
Karine is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 R IY0 N EY1. 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 Karine?
Karine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar French heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.