Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Carin since 1939
Babies named Carin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 218 |
| 1950s | 593 |
| 1960s | 1,106 |
| 1970s | 1,394 |
| 1980s | 724 |
| 1990s | 300 |
| 2000s | 138 |
| 2010s | 37 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Carin emerged as a spelling variant of Karen during the mid-20th century, first recorded in the United States in 1939. Its usage climbed through the Baby Boom era, reaching a peak in 1974, when it saw its highest number of births. Since 1985, the name has been on a steady decline, reflecting the broader downturn of the Karen family of names. While never among the top names nationally, Carin had a modest presence particularly in the 1970s. Today, it is extremely rare, with fewer than five annual births in the U.S., making it an uncommon choice for parents seeking a vintage name with a familiar sound.
Carin is a variant of the name Karen, which itself is a Danish short form of Katherine. Katherine is a Greek name derived from 'katharos,' meaning 'pure.' The spelling Carin emerged in English-speaking countries as an alternate phonetic rendering in the mid-20th century, though it remains less common than Karen. Its usage in the United States peaked in the 1970s, reflecting the general popularity of the Karen family of names at that time.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cari, Carrie
Sibling names for Carin
Names that share Carin's style, for a brother or sister.
