Karleen

“Free man”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#16422US 2021

5Births / yr

↓Falling

2.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 191400

How to pronounce Karleen

KAH·rul·EN

/ˈkɑ.rəl.ˈɛn/ · stress on KAH · 3 syllables

“Free man”

American origin · Girl name

What does Karleen mean and where does it come from?

Karleen is a feminine variant of the name Karl, which is derived from the Germanic name 'Carl', meaning 'free man.' The name has been popularized in the United States during the 20th century. Variations of the name, including Karla and Carla, have also gained popularity. Karleen conveys strength and

Cultural significance

Karleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man.

Peak popularity

Reached #1097 in 1937 — currently #16422 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Karleen?

Karleen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Karleen Grace

How popular is Karleen right now?

Falling — down 1290 spots — currently #16422 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2021#16422 · Top 12%

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2010

2015

2020

2021

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2021	#16422	5	▼ down 1290
2020	#15132	5	▼ down 543 · -17% births
2015	#14589	6	▲ up 494
2010	#15083	6	▼ down 10413 · -76% births
2000	#4670	25	▲ up 376 · +32% births
1995	#5046	19	▼ down 907 · -21% births
1990	#4139	24	▲ up 20 · +26% births
1985	#4159	19	▲ up 631 · +27% births
1980	#4790	15	▼ down 1489 · -29% births
1975	#3301	21	▼ down 1309 · -50% births
1970	#1992	42	▼ down 329 · -9% births
1965	#1663	46	▼ down 77 · -8% births
1960	#1586	50	▼ down 280 · -17% births
1955	#1306	60	▲ up 102 · +40% births
1950	#1408	43	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Karleen

Best Year1945Rank #1112

Peak Count60

Average Rank#5198

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202121 years

The story of Karleen

Karleen entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 2,756 total births recorded, Karleen remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4255 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16422 in 2021.

Names that peaked alongside Karleen in 1937:

Mary Barbara Patricia Shirley Betty

Karleen by decade

Karleen peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	27
1920s	102
1930s	262
1940s	483
1950s ★	538
1960s	521
1970s	277
1980s	204
1990s	186
2000s	93
2010s	58
2020s	5

💎With 2,756 total births, Karleen is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Karleen?

Common

KarKaArleen

What names sound and feel like Karleen?

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

Kayleen

American · slim, fair

American · little and strong

Darleen

American · little darling

Katleen

Belgium · Pure

Common questions about the name Karleen

What does the name Karleen mean?

Karleen means "Free man" — a name rooted in American 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 Karleen?

Karleen 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 Karleen?

Karleen originates from American tradition. American 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 Karleen?

Karleen is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R AH0 L EH1 N. 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 Karleen?

Karleen pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.