Holding steady.
Popularity of Careen since 1936
Babies named Careen per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1962, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Careen's real moment was 1976.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 17 |
| 1950s | 23 |
| 1960s | 63 |
| 1970s | 63 |
| 1980s | 25 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Careen is a name with Latin roots, ultimately derived from 'carus' meaning 'dear'. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1936 and reached its highest usage in 1976. Since then, its trajectory has been stable, maintaining a modest but consistent presence. While never breaking into the top 1,000, Careen enjoys the distinction of a distinctive sound and a clear, positive meaning. Its rarity today appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with a classic feel. Variants like Carina and Karina are more widespread, but Careen holds its own with a unique spelling and a gentle, melodic quality.
Careen is a variant of the Latin name Carina, meaning 'little darling' or 'beloved'. Carina itself is a feminine form of the Roman family name Carus, which derives from the Latin word 'carus' meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'. The name gained some use in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1970s when it saw its peak popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Carrie, Rina, Cari
Sibling names for Careen
Names that share Careen's style, for a brother or sister.
