Holding steady.
Popularity of Karilyn since 1934
Babies named Karilyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 23 |
| 1940s | 78 |
| 1950s | 115 |
| 1960s | 109 |
| 1970s | 129 |
| 1980s | 172 |
| 1990s | 117 |
| 2000s | 99 |
| 2010s | 50 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Karilyn is a mid-20th century American invention, combining the familiar names Karen and Marilyn. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1934, but its most popular year was 1978, when it likely resonated with parents seeking a melodic, feminine name with a modern twist. The name has since declined and does not rank in the top 1,000 today, reflecting a broader shift away from compound -lyn names. While its meaning is derivative, Karilyn carries the nostalgic charm of mid-century naming trends without strong ties to a specific cultural or linguistic tradition.
Karilyn emerged in the mid-20th century as a blend of the popular names Karen and Marilyn, both of which were common in the United States during the 1930s-1950s. The name fits a pattern of compound feminine names ending in -lyn that were fashionable in the mid-20th century, similar to Carolynn or Kathlyn. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1934 and saw peak usage in 1978.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kari, Lyn, Kara, Lin
Sibling names for Karilyn
Names that share Karilyn's style, for a brother or sister.
