Karen
Female name · ↓ Falling
390,974
Total Births
1957
Peak Year
—
Rank 2023
1881
First Recorded
📋 About the Name Karen
Karen is of Danish origin, a form of Katherine meaning 'pure.' It peaked at #3 in the 1960s in the US and has declined sharply since. The name became a cultural meme in the 2020s, which accelerated its decline.
📊 Popularity by Decade
| 1880s | 70 births |
| 1890s | 41 births |
| 1900s | 16 births |
| 1910s | 43 births |
| 1920s | 115 births |
| 1930s | 7,058 births |
| 1940s | 67,859 births |
| 1950s | 133,478 births |
| 1960s | 112,512 births |
| 1970s | 37,554 births |
| 1980s | 13,506 births |
| 1990s | 9,485 births |
| 2000s | 7,588 births |
| 2010s | 1,559 births |
| 2020s | 90 births |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is the name Karen?
Karen has been given to 390,974 babies in the United States since 1880. It peaked in popularity in 1957 with 15,961 births that year.
Is Karen a boy or girl name?
Karen is primarily used as a female name in the United States.
When was Karen most popular?
Karen was most popular in 1957, when 15,961 babies were given this name. The name has been declining in popularity.
How old is the name Karen?
Karen first appeared in US records in 1881.