Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Karin since 1907
Babies named Karin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 77 |
| 1920s | 104 |
| 1930s | 557 |
| 1940s | 2,812 |
| 1950s | 5,769 |
| 1960s | 8,784 |
| 1970s | 6,008 |
| 1980s | 2,419 |
| 1990s | 1,106 |
| 2000s | 536 |
| 2010s | 289 |
| 2020s | 65 |
Meaning & origin
Karin is a name with a long history in Scandinavia and Germany, where it has been used as a form of Katherine since the 19th century. In the United States, the name first appeared in birth records in 1907 but saw its peak in 1970, a decade when Scandinavian names were enjoying broad appeal. After the 1970s, usage of Karin began a steady decline, dropping significantly since 1985. Despite its falling trajectory, Karin remains a familiar classic in Nordic communities and among those seeking a softer alternative to Catherine. The name is almost exclusively given to girls and has not seen a revival in the 2020s, distinguishing it from trend-driven names that cycle back into fashion.
Karin is a Scandinavian and German short form of Katherine, which itself derives from the Greek name Aikaterine. The etymology of Katherine is debated, but it has long been associated with the Greek word 'katharos' meaning 'pure'. Karin became popular in Sweden and other Nordic countries in the 19th century and was also adopted in Germany and English-speaking countries.
Where Karin is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kari, Rina, Kaja
Sibling names for Karin
Names that share Karin's style, for a brother or sister.
