Karen
Peaked at #3 nationally in 1965, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1881, Karen has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Karen is a Danish form of Katherine, itself derived from the Greek Aikaterine, whose meaning is often linked to katharos, "pure." It was imported into the United States largely through Scandinavian immigrant communities and became one of the most fashionable American girls' names by the mid-20th century.
Notable people & culture
Musician Karen Carpenter, of the duo the Carpenters, remains one of the name's most recognized bearers, and Danish author Karen Blixen wrote Out of Africa under the pen name Isak Dinesen. Actress Karen Gillan is known for her role as Nebula in the Marvel film franchise. In recent years the name has also taken on a separate life as internet slang for a stereotypically entitled or demanding person, distinct from its use as a personal name.
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Karen — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#3
in 1965
Current rank
#1263
in 2024
Years tracked
139
1881–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1881, Karen reached its peak popularity for girls in 1965, ranking #3 nationally with 32,870 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #494 (2014) to #1263 (2024) — a 61% drop.
As of 2024, Karen ranks #1263 nationally for girls, with 184 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #1,263 | 184 |
| 2023 | #1,089 | 226 |
| 2022 | #1,217 | 199 |
| 2021 | #1,088 | 229 |
| 2020 | #823 | 331 |
| 2019 | #661 | 439 |
| 2018 | #636 | 470 |
| 2017 | #556 | 554 |
Karen — Boys (United States)
StablePeak rank
#789
in 1964
Last ranked
#13191
in 2023
Years tracked
82
1935–2023
Trend
Stable
Tracked since 1935, Karen reached its peak popularity for boys in 1964, ranking #789 nationally with 91 babies given the name that year.
Karen hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2023, when it stood at #13191.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | #13,191 | 5 |
| 2020 | #11,301 | 6 |
| 2019 | #11,456 | 6 |
| 2017 | #10,232 | 7 |
| 2015 | #13,060 | 5 |
| 2012 | #13,245 | 5 |
| 2011 | #10,204 | 7 |
| 2010 | #9,242 | 8 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Karen most popular?
Karen was most popular in 1965, when it ranked #3 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Karen becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently stable, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Karen?
At least 990,595 babies have been recorded with the name Karen in the US since 1881, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Karen? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.