Karrington

Meaning & origin

Karrington is a modern respelling of the surname Carrington, which emerged in the late 20th century as part of a trend of feminizing or updating traditional names. First recorded in 1989, the name reached its peak rank in 2000, but has since declined in popularity, placing at 10,917th in 2025 with a 1-in-200,908 birth rate. Its trajectory has been falling since 2000, reflecting a broader shift away from trendy invented respellings. The name has no historical notable bearers, giving it a blank slate appeal for parents seeking a unique, contemporary-sounding name. Its top states are not recorded, suggesting it remains a rare choice across the U.S.

Karrington is a modern respelling of the English surname Carrington, which derives from a place name. The original Carrington likely comes from Old English elements meaning 'settlement of Cara's people' or possibly 'marsh settlement'. The spelling with a K became fashionable in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, as part of a trend of respelling traditional names with a 'K' for a distinctive look.