Karlin

“free man” — Associated with freedom and strength

Slavic countries origin · Unisex name

♂ 46% boys♀ 54% girls

#11522US 2023

6Births / yr

↑Rising

847All-time births

📅 Since 193800

What does Karlin mean and where does it come from?

Karlin is a feminine form of the name Karl, which has Slavic origins and is associated with freedom and strength. While popular in several Slavic countries, it has also gained traction in the United States. The name has undergone various transformations in spelling and pronunciation across cultures,

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #4317 in 1946 — currently #11522 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Karlin?

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

Karlin Grace

How popular is Karlin right now?

Rising fast — up 1780 spots — currently #11522 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2023#11522 · Top 8.5%

1945

1960

1965

1970

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11522	6	▲ up 1780 · +20% births
2022	#13302	5	▼ down 206
2021	#13096	5	▲ up 1583 · -17% births
2015	#14679	6	▼ down 4687 · -33% births
2000	#9992	9	▼ down 1781 · -10% births
1995	#8211	10	▲ up 2193 · +43% births
1990	#10404	7	▼ down 3830 · -30% births
1985	#6574	10	▲ up 4174 · +100% births
1980	#10748	5	▼ down 5873 · -55% births
1970	#4875	11	▲ up 2054 · +120% births
1965	#6929	5	▼ down 2287 · -44% births
1960	#4642	9	▲ up 464 · +80% births
1945	#5106	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Karlin

Best Year1960Rank #4642

Peak Count11

Average Rank#9237

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1945 - 202313 years

The story of Karlin

Karlin entered American naming records in 1938 and has been in use for over 86 years. With 847 total births recorded, Karlin remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5106 in 1945, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11522 in 2023. Karlin is used for both genders: 54% female and 46% male.

Names that peaked alongside Karlin in 1946:

Mary Linda Patricia Barbara Carol

Karlin by decade

Karlin peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	5
1940s	17
1950s	44
1960s	68
1970s	84
1980s	133
1990s ★	191
2000s	141
2010s	154
2020s	10

💎Karlin has only 847 total recorded births since 1938 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Karlin?

Common

KarKaArlin

What names sound and feel like Karlin?

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

Kalin

Slavic countries · pure, slender

American · Song of joy

Kallin

American · Derived from 'Cailín',

Kahlin

English · A beloved name

Katlin

Ireland · Irish

Kaylin

American · Descendant of Caoinlean,

Common questions about the name Karlin

What does the name Karlin mean?

Karlin means "free man" — a name rooted in Slavic countries 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 Karlin?

Karlin is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Karlin?

Karlin originates from Slavic countries tradition. Slavic countries names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Karlin a common or rare name?

Karlin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Karlin more of a girl or boy name?

Karlin is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.