The given name Karsten originated from the Germanic language. It is derived from the Old Norse words "karl" meaning man or husband, and "sten" meaning stone. The name can be interpreted to mean "the strong one" or "warrior stone." It was popular among the ancient Norse and Viking civilizations from around the 8th to 11th centuries AD, particularly in Scandinavia and the areas that make up modern-day Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Karsten was in the 13th century Icelandic saga, the Sturlunga saga. It refers to a chieftain named Karsten Sighvatsson who lived in the late 12th century. Another early mention was in the 14th century Danish chronicle, Sønderjyske Krønike, which documented a Karsten Thomesen who was a respected landowner and nobleman.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Karsten. In the 16th century, Karsten Vognsen was a Danish naval officer and cartographer who created some of the earliest maps of the Arctic regions. Karsten Niebuhr (1733-1815) was a German mathematician, cartographer, and explorer who led a pioneering expedition to Arabia and wrote detailed accounts of his travels.

In the 19th century, Karsten Kiesow (1856-1924) was a German architect and builder who designed several prominent buildings in Berlin and other German cities. Karsten Braasch (1892-1970) was a Norwegian gymnast who won three gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm.

More recently, Karsten Nohl (born 1981) is a German computer security researcher and cryptographer, known for his work in exposing vulnerabilities in mobile communication systems. Karsten Muller (born 1970) is a retired German beach volleyball player who won a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

The name Karsten has maintained a presence throughout history, particularly in Germanic and Scandinavian cultures. Its origins and meaning have been associated with strength, masculinity, and valor, which may have contributed to its enduring popularity over the centuries.