Koren

Meaning & origin

Koren is a modern English name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1950. The name saw its peak usage in 1978 but has remained rare, never breaking into the top 1000. Its trajectory has been stable over the past few decades, with similar usage across the 1970s. The name is used for both sexes but is more common for girls. Its etymology is uncertain, possibly a variant of Corin or from a Hebrew word meaning 'shining'. The absence of a single well-attested origin gives it an air of mystery, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name. While no top states are recorded, its usage appears spread thinly across the country. Overall, Koren is a quiet, underused name with a soft sound and cross-gender appeal.

Koren may be a modern English variant of the name Corin, itself a form of Quirinus, a Roman name of Sabine origin. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Hebrew word 'koren' (קורן), meaning 'shining' or 'radiant'. The name has been used in the United States since at least the mid-20th century, modestly favored in the 1970s.