The name Karline is of Germanic origin and means "strong". It is a variant spelling of the more common German name Carlina, which is derived from the male name Karl. The name has been used in Germany since the Middle Ages and was brought to other parts of Europe by German immigrants over the centuries.
One famous bearer of the name Karline was Karline Hathaway, an American actress who was active during the silent film era. She appeared in several films alongside her husband, actor King Baggot, including "The Lone Star Ranger" (1928) and "Fighting with Kit Carson" (1931).
While not as popular as some other names of Germanic origin, such as Carmen or Karolina, the name Karline has a certain uniqueness and strength that makes it appealing. It is also a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for females.
In terms of its popularity, the name Karline has never been particularly common. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there were only 26 baby girls named Karline in 2019 out of over 570,000 total births that year. This means that the name is quite rare and unique.
Overall, the name Karline has a strong and unique sound to it, with a meaning that reflects its Germanic origins. While not as widely used as some other names, it has a certain charm and distinctiveness that sets it apart.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Karline has seen a consistent, though relatively low, number of births in the United States over several decades. From 1929 to 1993, there were a total of 47 babies named Karline born in the U.S. The peak years for this name's popularity were 1961 and 1986, with each year seeing 6 births. Interestingly, there are two periods where the name's usage was quite consistent: from 1929 to 1954 (with 5 births each in 1929, 1952, and 1954), and from 1983 to 1993 (with 5 births each year). While these numbers might not reflect widespread popularity, they do indicate a steady presence of the name Karline among American parents over time.