Karsten is a masculine given name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Denmark and Norway. It is composed of two elements: "kar" meaning "freeholder" or "strong" and "sten" meaning "stone". Therefore, the name Karsten means "strong stone".
The name has been used in Scandinavia for centuries, but it became particularly popular in Denmark during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was also a common name among the Viking invaders who settled in England during the Middle Ages.
There are several notable individuals with the name Karsten throughout history. One of the most famous is Karsten Niebuhr, an 18th-century Danish-Norwegian explorer and scientist who traveled extensively in Africa and Asia. Another notable figure is Karsten Krüger, a Danish-American businessman and philanthropist who founded the company that would become known as the A&P supermarket chain.
Despite its Scandinavian origins, the name Karsten has been adopted by other countries over time. Today, it can be found among populations in Germany, the Netherlands, and even in the United States. While it may not be one of the most popular names globally, Karsten remains a strong and distinctive choice for parents looking for a name with historical significance and a unique meaning.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births given the name Karsten in the United States from 1972 to 2019. Over this period, there were a total of 167 babies named Karsten born in the US.
The highest number of births in any single year was recorded in 1997 with 13 newborns named Karsten. This was followed by 12 births each in 2003 and 2004. There were periods where the number of births decreased, such as between 1999 and 2005, during which the annual count ranged from 5 to 8.
It's interesting to note that after a drop to 5 births in 2012, the name Karsten experienced a slight resurgence with 7 births each in 2013 and 2018, followed by another 5 births in 2019. This suggests that while the popularity of the name Karsten may have fluctuated over time, it has maintained some level of consistency since the late 20th century.