Holding steady.
Popularity of Karita since 1958
Babies named Karita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 55 |
| 1980s | 93 |
| 1990s | 31 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Karita is a name of Finnish origin, derived from the Latin Caritas meaning 'charity' or 'dearness.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1958, and its peak usage occurred in 1981, though the name has never been highly common. In recent decades, its trajectory has been stable, with a steady but small number of births each year. While the name remains rare in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence among families seeking a distinctive Nordic name. Karita is often associated with Finland and Sweden, and it shares roots with the more familiar name Charity. Its gentle sound and meaningful origin make it a quiet but enduring choice.
Karita is a Finnish derivative of Carita, which itself is a Scandinavian short form of the Latin name Caritas, meaning 'charity' or 'dearness.' The name was introduced to Finland through Swedish influence and has been used since the mid-20th century, though it remains relatively rare. It is sometimes considered a variant of the English name Charity, which has the same Latin root.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kari, Rita, Kata
Variants: Carita, Karitas, Caritas
Sibling names for Karita
Names that share Karita's style, for a brother or sister.
