"pure"
Origin: Greek
Language: Scandinavian
Karin
Pronunciation: [ k-EHR-ihn ]
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A clean, classic Scandinavian name meaning pure
Swedish
Norwegian
Danish
German
Scandinavian
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Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"beloved"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
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The Story of Karin
Karin is a Scandinavian form of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, itself possibly linked to the Greek katharos meaning pure. The name spread across Europe through the cult of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and became particularly beloved in Scandinavia, where the -in ending gives it a distinctive Nordic character. While predominantly used for girls in Scandinavia, Karin appears as a masculine name in some cultural contexts.
Karin was a highly popular name in Sweden and Norway throughout the mid-20th century, and while its use has declined from its peak, it remains a recognized and respected name across Scandinavian countries.
Saint Catherine, whose name inspired Karin, was one of the most venerated saints in medieval Christendom, and her feast day sparked numerous naming traditions across Europe including the Scandinavian countries.
Historical Record
Karin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1968.
Over 193 babies have been named Karin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Karin is past its peak , currently ranked #10,769 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Karin Larsen was one of Sweden's most beloved actresses of the 20th century
- The name Katherine and its variants are found in virtually every European language, a testament to Saint Catherine's widespread veneration
Karin in Other Languages
Greek
Αικατερίνη
French
Catherine
German
Karin
Spanish
Catalina
Swedish
Karin
Norwegian
Karin
Popularity Over Time
#10,769
Current Rank
Peaked 1968
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Karin
K
Karin Boye
Writer
1900
Swedish poet and novelist best known for her dystopian novel Kallocain
K
Karin Larsson
Artist
1859
Swedish textile artist and designer, wife of painter Carl Larsson
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #10,769
- Total SSA Count
- 8
- Cultural Origins
- Swedish Norwegian Danish German Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kari
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Karin
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Karin
Phonetic neighbors that share Karin's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Karin is also used as a girl name, ranked #8680.
View Karin as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Karin
What does the name Karin mean?
"pure" (from Greek). "beloved" (from Greek). Karin is a Scandinavian form of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, itself possibly linked to the Greek katharos meaning pure. The name spread across Europe through the cult of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and became particularly beloved in Scandinavia, where the -in ending gives it a distinctive Nordic character. While predominantly used for girls in Scandinavia, Karin appears as a masculine name in some cultural contexts.
What is the origin of the name Karin?
Karin has Greek, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German, and Scandinavian origins. In Greek, it means "pure". In Greek, it means "beloved".
Is Karin a boy or girl name?
Karin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #10769. As a girl name, it is ranked #8680. Karin is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Karin?
Karin is pronounced k-EHR-ihn.
How popular is the name Karin?
Karin is currently ranked #10769 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Karin?
Common nicknames for Karin include Kari.
What are good middle names for Karin?
Popular middle name pairings include Karin Erik, Karin Axel, Karin Johan, Karin Lars, and Karin Wilhelm.
What are good sibling names for Karin?
Names that pair well with Karin as siblings include Bjorn, Signe, Ingrid, Ulf, and Astrid.
How many syllables does Karin have?
Karin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Karin a common or rare name?
Karin is an uncommon name, ranked #10769 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Karin?
About the Name Karin
Karin is a boy name with Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "pure" in Greek .
Is Karin a boy or girl name? Karin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #10,769 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #8,680. Karin is more commonly used as a girl name.
Karin is currently ranked #10,769 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Karin has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHR-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Karin include Kari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Karin include Karim, Kari . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis