Karen is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Old Norse word "kær," which means "beloved" or "dear." The name Karen gained popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become widely recognized around the world.
The use of Karen as a given name can be traced back to Denmark in the 19th century. It was introduced by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen in his fairy tale "Karen og Anker," published in 1848. In this story, Karen is a young girl who is sent away from her wealthy family and must navigate the world on her own.
Andersen likely chose the name Karen for its meaning of beloved or dear, reflecting the protagonist's resilience and inner strength despite her difficult circumstances. The popularity of Andersen's tale contributed to the rise of Karen as a given name in Denmark and beyond.
Over time, variations of Karen have emerged, including Karina, Kara, and Karin. Despite these variants, the original spelling of Karen remains one of the most recognizable and beloved forms of the name.
In many cultures, Karen is considered a beautiful and strong name that reflects its wearer's inner beauty and resilience. Its meaning as "beloved" or "dear" makes it a popular choice for parents who wish to express their love and affection for their daughter even before she is born.
While there are numerous famous individuals named Karen across various fields, the name remains predominantly associated with Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale character. This connection adds an air of timelessness and romance to the name Karen, making it a classic choice for parents seeking a name that combines strength, beauty, and history.
The name Karen has a long and varied history of usage in the United States, with trends fluctuating over time. In the late 19th century, there were relatively few births registered as Karen each year, ranging from just 5 to 28 between 1881 and 1914.
However, beginning in the early 20th century, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Karen. Between 1920 and 1937, the number of births registered as Karen grew from 42 to over 4500. This trend continued through the mid-20th century, with the peak year being 1956, when there were 40,051 births named Karen.
After this high point in popularity, the name Karen began to decline steadily in usage. By the late 1970s, fewer than 8,000 babies per year were being named Karen at birth. This downward trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, reaching a low point of just over 200 births named Karen in 2021.
Despite this decline in popularity, Karen remains a name with historical significance in the United States. It was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, reflecting the cultural trends and preferences of that era. Even today, there are still hundreds of babies born each year with the name Karen, demonstrating its enduring appeal among parents.