Karin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAH-rin /ˈkɑ.rɪn/Medium

Meaning: Usually a Scandinavian form of Katherine ('pure', from the Greek katharos); more often a girls' name; also an Armenian boys' name; here for a boy; we note the crossoverLow

In 30 seconds: Pure: Karin is a form of Katherine. Crisp, classic, and warm. More often a girls' name — here a boy.

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Origin LowScandinavian, Greek

MeaningUsually a Scandinavian form of Katherine ('pure', from the Greek katharos); more often a girls' name; also an Armenian boys' name; here for a boy; we note the crossover

U.S. rank (2025)#11333 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 199

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Karin is usually a Scandinavian form of Katherine ('pure', from the Greek katharos); more often a girls' name; it is also an Armenian boys' name (we note the crossover). Here it is recorded for a boy — which we flag honestly (slug distinguished; said 'KAH-rin').

In the U.S. Karin is chiefly a girls' name; this boys' use is unusual. Rare for a boy, pure at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Karin is usually a Scandinavian form of Katherine ('pure') — more often a girls' name; here for a boy (also an Armenian boys' name), which we note (said 'KAH-rin').

Overall data confidence 30%

References — Karin — form of Katherine; chiefly female

Variations

KarenCarynKarine

Nicknames

Kar

Famous Bearers

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If you like Karin…

Karen— a kin girls' form

Karim— a sound-neighbor Kar- boys' name

Karan— a fellow Kar- boys' name

Aren— a companion -rin/-ren boys' name

Explore names like Karin

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Karin mean?

Karin is usually a form of Katherine ('pure'); more often a girls' name; also an Armenian boys' name; here it is recorded for a boy.

How do you pronounce Karin?

It's said KAH-rin /ˈkɑ.rɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Karin a boy or girl name?

Karin is chiefly a girls' name; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Karin?

Karin is uncommon for girls and very rare for boys.