Karin
Karin was not among the names given to 5 or more girls in 2025. Its best year was 1967, when it ranked 276th; the most babies were born in 1970 (1,051). More babies were named Karin in the 1960s than in any other decade.
Meaning Scandinavian form of Katherine · Swedish, Danish, Greek
Say it KAIR-in /ˈkærɪn/
- Rank in 2025
- Not rankedgirls
- Babies in 2025
- 0girls
- Girls and boys
- 54% girls, 46% boys2021–2025
- Peak year
- 19701,051 babies
- Total since 1880
- 28,731babies recorded
What does the name Karin mean?
Karin is a Swedish and Danish medieval form of Katarina (Katherine), from Greek Aikaterinē, of unknown origin. DMNES notes that the link with katharos, "pure", is mistaken. In English-speaking countries Karin is usually treated as a spelling of Karen; Wikipedia notes a separate Japanese name Karin, "Chinese quince". It was most popular in the US in the 1960s.
Αἰκατερίνη (Greek, “Aikaterinē, of unknown origin”)
How sure is this? Well established. Katherine itself is of unknown origin.
Related names: Karen, Katherine, Karina, Kari, Caryn.
See also: Greek names.
Sources for this meaning
- Wiktionary, entry 'Karin', Wiktionary (Wikimedia Foundation)
- Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources, ed. S. L. Uckelman, Edition 2023 no. 1, s.v. 'Katherine', DMNES (Durham University)
- Wikipedia, 'Karin (given name)', Wikipedia (Wikimedia Foundation)
Karin popularity since 1880
| Year | Rank (girls) | Rank (boys) | Babies (girls) | Babies (boys) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | #11,333 | — | 6 |
| 2020 | #8,181 | #10,081 | 13 | 7 |
| 2010 | #3,919 | — | 39 | — |
| 2000 | #2,183 | — | 73 | — |
| 1990 | #1,115 | #8,810 | 157 | 5 |
| 1980 | #552 | — | 337 | — |
| 1970 | #278 | — | 1,051 | — |
| 1960 | #358 | — | 738 | — |
| 1950 | #423 | — | 360 | — |
| 1940 | #616 | — | 129 | — |
| 1930 | #1,781 | — | 21 | — |
| 1920 | #3,466 | — | 9 | — |
| 1910 | — | — | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — | — | — |
How popular is Karin, counting every spelling?
Karin has no other common spelling that sounds the same.
How old are people named Karin?
About 24,000 people born in the US named Karin are alive today, with a median age of 59; half are between 51 and 67. That makes Karin a name most people associate with older generations.
Babies given the name each year (SSA) times the share of that birth year still alive (SSA life tables). Counts people born in the US only. Method.
Names with a similar history
These names rose and fell in step with Karin: their share of US girls followed the most similar curve since 1880. If you like Karin, they share its era and feel.
Questions about the name Karin
What does Karin mean?
Karin means “Scandinavian form of Katherine” (Swedish, Danish, Greek origin). Certainty: well established.
How popular is the name Karin?
Karin was not among the names given to 5 or more girls in 2025. Its best year was 1967, when it ranked 276th; the most babies were born in 1970 (1,051). More babies were named Karin in the 1960s than in any other decade.
Is Karin a boy or girl name?
In 2021–2025, 54% girls, 46% boys given the name Karin in the US.