Declining since 2014, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Karlina since 1981
Babies named Karlina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 41 |
| 1990s | 93 |
| 2000s | 96 |
| 2010s | 86 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Karlina is a modern elaboration of the classic Karl, first recorded in the U.S. in 1981. Its usage peaked in 2013, but has been steadily declining since 2014. The name remains relatively rare, with approximately 1 in 321,453 babies receiving it in 2025. Karlina's appeal lies in its melodic -ina ending and connection to the sturdy Germanic root meaning 'free man'. While not common, it offers a distinctive alternative for parents seeking a name with European flair.
Karlina is a feminine diminutive of Karl, derived from the Germanic *karlaz meaning 'free man'. The name spread across Scandinavia and Slavic regions as a variant of Karla or Karolina. It emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, likely as an elaboration of Karla with the popular -ina suffix.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Karla, Lina, Kari
Sibling names for Karlina
Names that share Karlina's style, for a brother or sister.
