Karin is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "kær," which means "beloved" or "dear." The name was popularized by Swedish author Carl Michael Bellman, who used it in his 1791 collection of poems, Fredman's Epistles.
The name Karin has been used in various forms throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was a common name for women in Sweden and Norway. It is also believed to have been brought to Finland by Swedish settlers during that time period. Today, Karin remains a popular name in Scandinavian countries, as well as in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe.
In some cultures, the name Karin may be associated with the saint Saint Karin, who was canonized for her kindness and compassion towards others. However, there is no historical evidence to suggest that the name's popularity is directly linked to this figure.
Overall, Karin is a name with a rich history and a meaningful origin story. Its simple yet beautiful meaning makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their daughter.
Based on the provided statistics, we can analyze the popularity of the name Karin over time in the United States.
From 1907 to 1936, the number of babies named Karin varied between 5 and 55 births per year. However, from 1937 onwards, there was a significant increase in the popularity of this name, with over 100 births each year until 1941.
The peak years for the name Karin were during World War II, from 1942 to 1945, when it reached an all-time high of 415 births in 1942. This trend continued into the post-war era, with over 300 babies named Karin each year until 1956.
From 1957 onwards, the popularity of the name Karin began to decline steadily. However, it remained relatively stable throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, with around 800 to 1000 births per year.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a further decrease in popularity, dropping below 500 births per year. This downward trend continued throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, with fewer than 200 babies named Karin each year.
In recent years, the name Karin has become quite rare in the United States, with fewer than 50 births per year since 2006. In 2022, there were only 11 babies named Karin according to the latest data available.
Overall, while the name Karin was popular for several decades during and after World War II, its popularity has declined significantly in recent years, with fewer than 50 births per year since 2006.