Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Karen
GirlDanish, Greek· “Danish form of Katherine”
- Meaning
- Danish form of Katherine
- Origin
- Danish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- KEH-ruhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,281
- US babies 2025
- 175
- Best rank
- #3 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Karen
Karen is a Danish and Greek name that is usually said to mean “Danish form of Katherine”.
Karen is the Danish form of Katherine, a name of Greek origin whose meaning is uncertain. Katherine has long been linked with the Greek katharos, meaning pure, though that connection likely came later. Karen spread to the United States in the early twentieth century and became one of the most common names for girls of the mid-century generation. Danish author Karen Blixen, who wrote Out of Africa, is a famous bearer. In recent years the name has also picked up a slang meaning in American culture, which has affected how some parents see it. It remains a clear, simple classic.
Other spellings with the same sound: Karon, Karan, Charon.
Popularity over time
Karen first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 105 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #3 in 1965, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 40,591 were named Karen. In 2025, 175 babies were named Karen, and it ranked #1,281 nationally. That is 72% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,179 in 1920, #12 in 1950, #54 in 1980, #153 in 2000, #248 in 2010, and #1,281 in 2025. Of the 987,989 US girls named Karen since records began, 34% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 286,053 babies. Since 2010, 8,707 more have been named Karen.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Cynthia, Brenda, Cheryl, Kathy, and Cindy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Karen ranked highest in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #783 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #788 | 12 |
| Ohio | #841 | 11 |
| Arizona | #862 | 7 |
| New York | #1004 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Karen is usually pronounced KEH-ruhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Karon, Karan, and Charon.
Middle names for Karen
A few middle names that flow with Karen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Karen
Similar names
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Lists that include Karen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Karen mean?
Karen is a Danish and Greek name that is usually said to mean “Danish form of Katherine”.
What is the origin of the name Karen?
Karen has Danish and Greek roots. Karen is the Danish form of Katherine, a name of Greek origin whose meaning is uncertain.
Is Karen a popular name?
Not especially. Karen ranked #1,281 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Karen a boy or girl name?
Karen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Karen?
Karen is usually pronounced KEH-ruhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings