Find out how popular the first name Karin has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Karin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Karin is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Karin being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 10 male babies born with the name Karin.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby boys were named Karin in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Karin

The name Karin is a Scandinavian variant of the name Karen, which has its roots in the ancient Germanic language. It is derived from the feminine form of the word "kar," which means "pure" or "beloved." The name gained popularity across Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.

In Old Norse literature, the name Karin is mentioned in the Icelandic sagas, where it was often given to female characters known for their beauty and virtuous nature. One notable example is Karin Manvithsdotter, a legendary Swedish noblewoman from the 13th century, who was renowned for her wisdom and courage.

The earliest recorded use of the name Karin dates back to the 12th century in Sweden and Denmark. During the Viking Age, it was a common name among Scandinavian women, particularly in Norway and Iceland.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Karin. One of the most famous was Karin Månsdotter, a Swedish Queen consort who lived in the 15th century. She was known for her political influence and her role in promoting the arts and culture during her husband's reign.

Another notable Karin was Karin Boye, a Swedish poet and novelist who lived from 1900 to 1941. She was a prominent figure in the literary world and is considered one of the most influential Swedish writers of the 20th century.

In the realm of science, Karin Boye also shares her name with Karin Mölling, a German virologist who made significant contributions to the study of retroviruses and their role in cancer development. She lived from 1943 to 2017.

Moving to the world of sports, Karin Svensson was a Swedish swimmer who won multiple medals at the Olympic Games in the 1970s. She was a dominant force in the pool and held several world records during her career.

Finally, Karin Kneffel is a contemporary German artist known for her large-scale paintings and installations. Born in 1957, she has gained international recognition for her unique artistic style and her exploration of themes related to memory and perception.

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 Karin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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