A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Karleen since 1914
Babies named Karleen per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1964, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Karleen's real moment was 1937.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 27 |
| 1920s | 102 |
| 1930s | 262 |
| 1940s | 483 |
| 1950s | 538 |
| 1960s | 521 |
| 1970s | 277 |
| 1980s | 204 |
| 1990s | 186 |
| 2000s | 93 |
| 2010s | 58 |
| 2020s | 15 |
Meaning & origin
Karleen is a rare feminine name first recorded in the United States in 1914. Its peak year was 1937, when it saw its highest usage, but it has never entered the top 1000. The name is likely a variant of Carlene, making it a feminine form of Charles, meaning 'free man'. After declining in the mid-20th century, Karleen has seen a slight resurgence since 2022, though it remains uncommon. With no recorded top states, its usage has been scattered and infrequent across the country.
Karleen is a modern English name first recorded in the United States in 1914. It is likely a variant of Carlene, itself a feminine form of Charles, derived from the Germanic element *karlaz* meaning 'free man'. The name saw modest use in the early 20th century, with a peak in 1937, but has since remained rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Karli, Leena, Kari
Sibling names for Karleen
Names that share Karleen's style, for a brother or sister.
