Karine

“pure”

French origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#9935US 2023

10Births / yr

↑Rising

1.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 191700

How to pronounce Karine

KER·ee·NAY

/ˈkɛr.iː.ˈneɪ/ · stress on KER · 3 syllables

“pure”

French origin · Girl name

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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How else can you spell Karine?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Karyne

Spelling variant

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

How popular is Karine right now?

Rising fast — up 1766 spots — currently #9935 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#9935 · Top 7.3%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Karine

Best Year1940Rank #2900

Peak Count28

Average Rank#6895

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 202319 years

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:

Lisa Kimberly Mary Michelle Karen

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?

Common

KarKarieKaryIne

Famous people named Karine

Karine (French author)

Karine immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.

Karine (French impressionist artist)

Karine used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.

Karine (medieval French noble)

Karine held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.

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 2025

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What names sound and feel like Karine?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karine also consider these

Karmine

English · A beloved name

Karrine

American · pure

Larine

French · crowned with laurel

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.