Karsten is a masculine given name of Scandinavian origin, particularly from Norway and Denmark. It is derived from the Old Norse elements 'karl' meaning "free man" or "man", and 'sten' meaning "stone". Therefore, Karsten translates to "free as a stone" or "strong as a stone".
The name Karsten has been used historically in Scandinavia for centuries, with some variations in spelling such as Carsten, Kåre, and Kai. It was popular among the nobility and the aristocracy during the Middle Ages but gradually became more widespread among common people over time.
Some notable figures throughout history have carried this name, including Karsten Niebuhr (1733-1815), a German-Danish explorer and cartographer who led an expedition to Arabia; and Karsten Krüger (1904-1969), a Danish physicist known for his contributions to magnetometry.
Today, Karsten remains a common name in Scandinavia but has also gained popularity in other parts of the world due to globalization and international influences. It is often associated with strength, resilience, and steadfastness, reflecting its meanings derived from Old Norse elements. However, it's essential to note that these associations may vary depending on cultural contexts and personal perceptions.
The given statistics show the number of births with the name Karsten in the United States from 1950 to 2023. Over this period, there have been a total of 3195 babies named Karsten.
Looking at the data, we can observe several trends:
* The name Karsten was quite uncommon during the early years, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1950 to 1968.
* Starting in 1969, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Karsten, with over 20 births each year until 1974.
* The late 1970s and early 1980s saw fluctuations in popularity, with years ranging from a low of 13 births in 1984 to a high of 34 births in 1988.
* The name Karsten experienced a significant rise in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching its peak in 2005 with 131 births.
* Since then, the popularity of the name has gradually decreased, but it remains relatively common. In recent years (2020-2023), there have been between 24 and 27 births each year.
Overall, while Karsten may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, it has had periods of notable popularity over the past seven decades.