Karenna first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Karenna has been for the last 26 years (from 1993 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Karenna

A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "ray of light".

Popularity of Karenna by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Karenna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Karenna.

Year Male Count Female Count
2018 0 6
2016 0 6
2015 0 5
2014 0 8
2013 0 8
2011 0 8
2010 0 6
2009 0 9
2008 0 10
2007 0 17
2006 0 19
2005 0 16
2004 0 20
2003 0 21
2002 0 23
2001 0 54
2000 0 40
1999 0 13
1998 0 11
1997 0 5
1996 0 10
1995 0 8
1993 0 14

The history of the first name Karenna

The name Karenna is believed to have originated from the Greek language, with roots dating back to ancient times. Its earliest known form was "Karene," which derived from the Greek word "karenos," meaning "pure" or "unblemished." This name was often associated with virtues such as purity, innocence, and moral integrity.

In ancient Greek mythology, Karene was the name of a nymph who was renowned for her beauty and grace. She was said to be one of the companions of the goddess Artemis, the protector of young girls and patron of childbirth. The name Karene appeared in various Greek texts and literary works, reflecting its cultural significance.

As the name spread across different regions and cultures, it evolved into various spellings and forms, including Karenna, Karena, and Karina. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Karenna of Byzantium, a renowned scholar and philosopher who lived in the 5th century AD. She was known for her contributions to the field of ethics and her advocacy for women's education.

During the Middle Ages, the name Karenna was found in various European regions, particularly in Italy and France. One notable figure was Karenna of Siena, a 13th-century Italian mystic and religious writer who was recognized for her spiritual wisdom and teachings.

In the 16th century, Karenna Sforza, an Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts, played a significant role in the Renaissance cultural movement. She was known for her patronage of artists, writers, and philosophers, and her court in Milan was a center of intellectual and artistic exchange.

Another historical figure with the name Karenna was Karenna von Richthofen, a German writer and feminist activist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was a prominent advocate for women's rights and played a significant role in the early feminist movement in Germany.

In more recent times, Karenna Gore, the daughter of former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, has been a notable figure with this name. She is an author, journalist, and environmentalist, following in her father's footsteps in advocating for environmental causes.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Karenna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Karenna, please contact us.

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"Karenna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/karenna-meaning-and-history/.

"Karenna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/karenna-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 August, 2025

Karenna first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/karenna-meaning-and-history/.

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