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

Popularity of Karlin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Karlin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 53% of people named Karlin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Karlin.

The history of the first name Karlin

Karlin is a given name with roots tracing back to the ancient Germanic languages. It is believed to have originated from a combination of the Proto-Germanic words "kar" meaning "man" and "lind" meaning "tender" or "soft". Together, the name can be interpreted to mean "gentle man" or "tender man".

The name Karlin first appeared in written records around the 5th century CE, during the Migration Period when various Germanic tribes were moving across Europe. It was initially used by the Franks and other West Germanic peoples, and later spread to other regions as these groups migrated and interacted with other cultures.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Karlin was a Frankish nobleman who lived in the late 6th century CE. This Karlin was a member of the court of King Childebert II and is mentioned in the historical chronicles of the time as a loyal advisor and military commander.

Another notable Karlin from the early medieval period was a Bavarian monk who lived in the 8th century CE. This Karlin was a skilled scribe and is credited with copying and preserving several important religious texts, including an illuminated manuscript of the Gospels that is still housed in a monastery library in Germany.

During the High Middle Ages, the name Karlin became more widely used across Western Europe, particularly in regions with a strong Germanic cultural influence. One famous bearer of the name was Karlin of Hirsau, a German abbot and theologian who lived in the 11th century CE. Karlin was a prominent figure in the Cluniac reform movement and played a significant role in the revival of monastic life in Germany.

In the later medieval period, the name Karlin also appeared in Scandinavia, likely brought by Viking settlers or through cultural exchange with Germanic peoples. One notable example is Karlin Håkansson, a Swedish nobleman and military leader who lived in the 13th century CE. Karlin was a prominent figure in the wars between Sweden and Denmark, and is remembered for his bravery and strategic leadership in several battles.

Another historical figure named Karlin was a German artist and sculptor who lived in the 15th century CE. This Karlin was a master woodcarver and is renowned for his intricate altarpieces and religious sculptures that adorned churches throughout southern Germany.

While the name Karlin has waned in popularity in modern times, it remains a significant part of the historical record, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Germanic peoples and their influence across Europe.

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

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

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