Karina
/ka.ˈriː.na/
Karina is a Scandinavian and Eastern European form of Carina, which derives from Latin carus meaning “beloved” or “dear.” It also functions as a variant of Katherine, meaning “pure.”
In Scandinavia, Karina emerged as an independent name by the 19th century. Danish and Norwegian church records show steady usage, distinct from the Catherine-derived Katrina.
Karina peaked at No. 108 in 1996 with 2,868 births, riding a wave of K-initial names popular in the 1990s. By 2024, it ranks No. 774 with 363 births.
What the name Karina means
French New Wave icon Anna Karina (born Hanne Karin Bayer) brought the name international glamour. Mexican telenovela stars named Karina also boosted its Hispanic-American appeal.
Three syllables—kah-REE-nah—produce a bright, melodic sound. The hard K opening and flowing -ina ending give the name both strength and femininity.
Karina appeals to bilingual families who want a name that works in both English and Spanish without modification. Its cross-cultural ease is a major draw.
Related forms include Carina (Latin/Italian), Karin (Scandinavian short form), Karena, and the unrelated but similar-sounding Corinna (Greek). All share an elegant simplicity.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Karina
Karina - similar names
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