The name Karena is believed to have its origins in the Sanskrit language, where it is derived from the word "karuna," meaning "compassion" or "mercy." This name is thought to have first emerged in ancient India, possibly as early as the 5th century BCE.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Karena can be found in the Hindu sacred text, the Mahabharata, which dates back to around the 4th century BCE. In this epic, Karena is mentioned as the name of a minor character, though the specific context is unclear.

During the medieval period, the name Karena gained some popularity among certain Buddhist communities in South and Southeast Asia. This was likely due to the name's association with the Buddhist concept of karuna, which emphasizes compassion and empathy towards all living beings.

In the 12th century, a Buddhist scholar and monk named Karena Shri is known to have lived in what is now modern-day Myanmar. He is credited with translating several important Buddhist texts from Pali to the local language, helping to spread the teachings of Buddhism in the region.

Moving forward to the 16th century, there are records of a female warrior named Karena who fought alongside the Mughal emperor Akbar in the Indian subcontinent. She is said to have been a skilled archer and played a significant role in several battles against rival forces.

In the 18th century, a prominent philosopher and social reformer named Karena Devi lived in the Indian state of Rajasthan. She advocated for women's rights and education, challenging the prevailing societal norms of the time.

Another notable figure with the name Karena was Karena Nath, an Indian independence activist and politician who lived from 1887 to 1963. He played a crucial role in the struggle for India's freedom from British rule and later served as a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the country's constitution.

While the name Karena has its roots in ancient Sanskrit and Buddhist traditions, it has since gained popularity across various cultures and regions. However, it is important to note that historical records and references to this name are relatively scarce, particularly in the Western world.