Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Karina
GirlScandinavian, Italian· “dear; also a form of Karin”
- Meaning
- dear; also a form of Karin
- Origin
- Scandinavian, Italian
- Pronunciation
- kuh-REE-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #750
- US babies 2025
- 363
- Best rank
- #108 (1996)
- Peak year
- 1995
Meaning and origin of Karina
Karina is a Scandinavian and Italian name that is usually said to mean “dear; also a form of Karin”.
Karina has two main sources. In Scandinavia it developed as an elaboration of Karin, the Swedish form of Katherine, a Greek name of uncertain meaning. In Italian, carina means dear or pretty, and the name is also used in Russian and Polish. It is common in Latin America and among Latino families in the United States, and Danish-French actress Anna Karina gave it an artistic, cinematic association. Karina sounds bright and lyrical and is easy to say in many languages. Kari and Rina are simple nicknames.
Popularity over time
Karina first appears in US Social Security records in 1956. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 57 different years, starting in 1969. Its best national rank was #108 in 1996, and the most babies received it in 1995, when 2,985 were named Karina. In 2025, 363 babies were named Karina, and it ranked #750 nationally. That is 48% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #351 in 1980, #159 in 2000, #293 in 2010, and #750 in 2025. Of the 61,464 US girls named Karina since records began, 37% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 17,080 babies. Since 2010, 9,804 more have been named Karina.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Carly, Angelica, Kaitlin, Tori, and Rebekah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Karina ranked highest in California, Minnesota, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #461 | 73 |
| Minnesota | #572 | 9 |
| Kentucky | #614 | 7 |
| Illinois | #644 | 15 |
| Washington | #649 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Karina is usually pronounced kuh-REE-nuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Karina
A few middle names that flow with Karina: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Karina
Similar names
Adrianna Girl
ay-dree-AN-uh
“from Hadria” · Latin
#872
Marina Girl
muh-REE-nuh
“of the sea” · Latin
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Lilianna Girl
lil-ee-AH-nuh
“lily” · Latin
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Luciana Girl
loo-see-AH-nuh
“light” · Italian
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Cristina Girl
krihs-TEE-nuh
“follower of Christ” · Spanish
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Carina Girl
kuh-REE-nuh
“dear one; also 'keel'” · Latin
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Lorena Girl
loh-REH-nuh
“from Lorraine” · Spanish
#1,293
Silvana Girl
sihl-VAH-nuh
“of the forest” · Latin
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Brianna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine of Brian” · Irish
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Ariana Girl
ar-ee-AH-nuh
“most holy; form of Ariadne” · Italian
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Arianna Girl
ar-ee-AH-nuh
“most holy” · Italian
#234
Elena Girl
eh-LAY-nuh
“form of Helen; meaning uncertain” · Greek
#42
Lists that include Karina
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Karina mean?
Karina is a Scandinavian and Italian name that is usually said to mean “dear; also a form of Karin”.
What is the origin of the name Karina?
Karina has Scandinavian and Italian roots. Karina has two main sources.
Is Karina a popular name?
Yes. Karina ranked #750 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Karina a boy or girl name?
Karina is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Karina?
Karina is usually pronounced kuh-REE-nuh. 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